prescribed meds?

[xynder]

I have a bit of a history with prescription anti-depressants. During my life, I've been on them off and on for maybe 2 years straight, starting when I was like 12 or 13 (so quite a gap).

It was never for depression. When I was 12 or 13 I got really nervous over things. When I started taking them against last year it was for obsessive-compulsiveness.

I take Zoloft now for social anxiety.

Are they going to see this as an issue?

[Wakaishu]

Are you serious???

[xynder]

uhh yes.........

[md123]

I think it would be a legitimate concern that your diagnoses would interfere with performing the duties of a police officer. That is the bottom line.

[Wakaishu]

I have a bit of a history with prescription anti-depressants. During my life, I've been on them off and on for maybe 2 years straight, starting when I was like 12 or 13 (so quite a gap).

It was never for depression. When I was 12 or 13 I got really nervous over things. When I started taking them against last year it was for obsessive-compulsiveness.

I take Zoloft now for social anxiety.

Are they going to see this as an issue?

What do you think???

[my58vw]

Not a cop but I would think so, even for a non LEO

[corporal716]

I have a bit of a history with prescription anti-depressants. During my life, I've been on them off and on for maybe 2 years straight, starting when I was like 12 or 13 (so quite a gap).

It was never for depression. When I was 12 or 13 I got really nervous over things. When I started taking them against last year it was for obsessive-compulsiveness.

I take Zoloft now for social anxiety.

Are they going to see this as an issue?

Yes they may see this as an issue, a big issue.

[xynder]

well i don't get nervous over things, i just don't like talking in groups of people (social anxiety).

the nervousness was when i was young. i still am obsessive compulsive (things have to be in perfect order, wash my hands way too much, etc).

i am very stable besides that... again, no depression or anything like that.

[rudegyal]

Would you be able to handle having to give a speech for accepting some award for something you had done in front of a large group?A lot of scenes end up with large lurkers also.You gotta be able to handle every situation to the fullest in my opinion even if you have 1,000 people looking at you or 1. I don't think anxiety issues would pass the psych. evaluation.

[xynder]

Would you be able to handle having to give a speech for accepting some award for something you had done in front of a large group?A lot of scenes end up with large lurkers also.You gotta be able to handle every situation to the fullest in my opinion even if you have 1,000 people looking at you or 1. I don't think anxiety issues would pass the psych. evaluation.

well if I'm on prescribed medication for the anxiety, and thus no longer exhibit it, how is this a problem?

[rudegyal]

well i don't get nervous over things, i just don't like talking in groups of people (social anxiety).the nervousness was when i was young. i still am obsessive compulsive (things have to be in perfect order, wash my hands way too much, etc).

i am very stable besides that

Thats how I figure

[acreature]

well if I'm on prescribed medication for the anxiety, and thus no longer exhibit it, how is this a problem?

There was a guy around here that was Insulin dependant. He was a decent officer, but didn't medicate one evening, passed out and totaled his car at an estimated 70 mph.

Persons who rely on meds to stay stable are a risk, regardless if the symptoms are present or not. One slip up could cause a loss of your life, another officer's or a citizens.

Some do not wish to take the chance, and I for one understand why.

[xynder]

well, should I give up or what? this obviously won't even be asked until the psychological exam...

[TALLON]

Any behavior modification meds are of concern to PDs. Do you have a plan to get off the meds? Talk to your doctor about an exit strategy for these pills. Once you have done that and have shown a consistent pattern off the meds(probably a couple of years at least), you may be considered by a local PD. This, while not that serious for everyday, non-life threatening activities, is very serious as it relates to the work of an LEO. And the long and short is that a PD cannot afford the lawsuit if you are having a "bad" day without your meds and "something" happens...not to mention it could put lives in danger. My first piece of advice is to get yourself WELL. Talk to your doc and try to find out why you need the meds. Work through that first, then worry about the LEO career. Good Luck.

[xynder]

Hypothetical situation here. I've only taken Zoloft for 3 days now. If I were to contact my doctor, ask him about alternatives (maybe vitamins I can take, or exercises to reduce anxiety), thus no longer taking the medication, would this better my chances?