Posted by chemist on May 5, 2004, at 1:57:39
In reply to US Military Service Meds - Need advice guys!, posted by mattdds on May 5, 2004, at 1:47:32
> Hey all,
>
> I've been MIA for a while. Anyone here remember me?
>
> I have a question for anyone who has done military service.
>
> I'm graduating from dental school in exactly one week, and have to report to officer training later this summer, and then in fall for an overseas assignment (not Iraq).
>
> Until now, I've been technically in the "reserve" status, as I was on the military scholarship for health professionals. Now, I'm going on active duty as a captain, and they will want an updated medical status, and physical.
>
> At the time I was comissioned, and at the time of my physical for accession, I had not been diagnosed with panic disorder, so I did not report it. I did tell them that I had a bout of depression (which in retrospect, was misdiagnosed - it really was panic and anxiety) and took Prozac years back (all true, at the time). The problem is that since then, I *have* been diagnosed, and my psychiatrist uses DSM 200.1 as the diagnosis code for my meds and insurance. So, it's officially documented in my medical history.
>
> Now obviously, lying is not an option here. But, I am worried about being considered "fit for duty". I really feel that I am fit for it, physically and mentally, it's just that meds have really helped stabilize my conditions (panic, generalized anxiety). I feel 100% fit for service. I am in *no way* trying to dodge my duty obligation, and actually really want to serve. The military paid for all my dental training, I fully intend to pay it back, so long as they will let me, and if that doesn't mean ripping me off meds.
>
> So I'm in a bind.
>
> Do I just go to the physical and straight up tell them everything? Do I have to offer up all the details in terms of severity, or can I just say that I was diagnosed with "anxiety" and need medication.
>
> Are they OK with servicemen being on meds? Or is this a condition that inherently makes me "unit for duty"?
>
> Anybody have any answers? I've scoured the internet, and I don't want to contact them until I get all the information I can on this. I do plan on telling them about it, but what will this mean?
>
> Any experts here? Any help, ideas, or especially first hand experiences would be greatly appreciated!
>
> mattdds
>
>
can't comment on anything but the fact that the u.s. military regularly hands out dexedrine to pilots on long-range missions. if the military is handing out speed - and there was a dexedrine-related death disaster in the past 6 months because of this - then i think you should let *them* evaluate *you*. remember that ``don't ask, don't tell'' policy? it applies across the board.....go get 'em, and all the best, chemist
poster:chemist
thread:343508
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040429/msgs/343512.html