Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 2/28/2011

Question
QUESTION: I am a medical student on the hpsp scholarship with the navy. I habe been in school now for several years and was doing okay but having troubles concentrating and puttiing in. the time necessary to study so hard. I have never been diagnosed or treated for ADD before.i habe never had behavioral issues and I have always had outstanding grades. But my grades were falling and I recently discovered that I had some siblings who were cushioned with ADD as adults. I went to see a psychiatrist who stated me on adderall and it worked like a miracle. Even my wife has noticed a positive change. But now I am concerned that I could lose my scholarship if theu find out I am on adderall. I only need it when I am preparing to take an exam, and on test days. I habe always been honest with the navy. I habe never hsd to lite about anything and I don't want to start now, but I habhave a family and I don't want to lose my scholarship. Does taking adderall or having ADD preclude me from service? I am already commissioned and completed ODS, but still in school on reserve status. Any help eould be appreciated. This had come up because I have to fill out a form each year starting whether I am currently taking any meds or being treated by a doctor. I will go off the meds in a few months and probably never need then again, although they are very helpful.

ANSWER: Damien,
The military will not accept you if you are taking, or have taken, ADD drugs like Adderall.  This is because the military considers these nasty drugs with lasting psychological side-affects which could make you a hazard to yourself and others.  While you probably could function normally in the military during peace time, the psychological aspects of combat could bring about all sorts of unknowns.  The psychological stress of military service is quite unlike the day-to-day life of a civilian.

If you admit to taking Adderall or other ADD/ADHD medication, you will not be able to join the military.  Also, if you admit to a pre-existing condition that required Adderall they'll disqualify you because you might cost the government a lot of money in health care treatment down the road.

A lot of people simply just don't admit to ever having used it.  If you've been off Adderall for more than 6 months it will not show up in any sort of test.

Thanks for wanting to join the Navy.
Colonel H



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Okay,
But my problem is that i am already commissioned. I am in reserve status while in school, but I am a commissioned officer. I did not know I had this condition before I joined, b/c it is very mild. So my question, is whether they will kick me out?

Answer
Damien,
They can discharge you at any time if they discover you had a pre-existing condition.  Your goal now is to keep them from finding out.  You can do this by not giving them a reason to research your past.  Since you go off the meds in a few months I would say NO on the form just to be on the safe side.  It's about all you can do now.
Good luck,
Colonel H