Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages, including adults, teenagers, and even children. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 10 to 30% of active duty service members in the U.S. Armed Forces suffer from some form of mental health issue, including ADHD. When considering joining the military, it is crucial to know that having ADHD will NOT necessarily disqualify an individual from service, but it does pose potential challenges that may affect his/her military performance.
Current Military ADHD Policies and Criteria
Currently, each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) has its unique ADHD diagnostic criteria, though the majority adhere to the following basic principles:
Service Member Career Guidance Panel (MCP): Individuals are typically screened during enlistment to assess the risk and risk-mitigating behaviors to identify any potential psychological fitness for duty.
Medication Therapy Management (MTM) programs: Inpatient screening tests for prescription medications; Outpatient evaluations consider current behavioral performances
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA): Official mental status report.
In evaluating prospective military enlistment cases where an ADHD diagnosis or medication therapy involvement, most militaries base the review criteria on standard practices regarding psychiatric risk: * 1 – Psychomotor slowing is seen * No clear behavioral adjustments. 1.-Medications could slow service life (2.)2,- Prescriptive dosage change might become crucial, or adjustment as determined