Can You Join the Military With ADHD?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding ADHDFactors That Play a RoleShould You Disclose Your ADHD?Will It Affect My Service?Should You Join?Will I Be Discharged?

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Understanding ADHD

Factors That Play a Role

Should You Disclose Your ADHD?

Will It Affect My Service?

Should You Join?

Will I Be Discharged?

Close

Enlisting in the military can be a complicated and hectic process. Part of that process includes sharing your medical and mental health records, and it can be confusing to understand how your history informs whether you will be permitted to enlist. One group who might have to complete extra hurdles when enlisting in the military are those who have been diagnosed withattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

ADHD is classified as aneurodevelopmental disorderin the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” (DSM). People with ADHD can be very successful in many careers, but when it comes to joining the military, there are some added challenges for those with the diagnosis.

So, can you join the military if you have ADHD? Yes, it’s possible, but each branch has its own rules, and serving in the military will affect your ability to manage your ADHD with medication.

At a GlanceADHD is a form ofneurodivergencethat can create challenges in different areas of life, including joining the military. While it may be possible for you to join, you will likely be given a psychological evaluation to determine if you’re eligible to join. It’s also important to consider the fact that you will likely need to stop taking ADHD medication before enlisting, which may affect your ability to manage your ADHD traits. It is important to consider these factors when deciding if the military is right for you.

At a Glance

ADHD is a form ofneurodivergencethat can create challenges in different areas of life, including joining the military. While it may be possible for you to join, you will likely be given a psychological evaluation to determine if you’re eligible to join. It’s also important to consider the fact that you will likely need to stop taking ADHD medication before enlisting, which may affect your ability to manage your ADHD traits. It is important to consider these factors when deciding if the military is right for you.

ADHD characteristics might not emerge until later in life if an individual gets adequate support or if they are able to compensate for their traits (for example, gifted children might perform well in school despite significant issues with focus).

Theinattentive characteristicsof ADHD are:

The hyperactive-impulsive characteristics of ADHD are:

If an individual has six or more symptoms of inattention, they can be diagnosed with Inattentive-Type ADHD. If they have six or more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, they can be diagnosed with Hyperactive-Impulsive-Type ADHD. If they experienceboth sets of symptoms, they can be diagnosed with Combined-Type ADHD.

Will Having ADHD Prevent Me From Being Able To Join The Military?

People with ADHD can join the military, but they might be asked to undergo a psychological evaluation before enlisting. The evaluation will give current information about symptoms, functioning, and possible support needs. The recruiter will use information from this evaluation to determine whether or not someone with ADHD will be permitted to join the military.

Each branch of the military has its own rules regarding enlisting with ADHD and regarding ADHD medication. Generally, people who are enlisted are not permitted to take ADHD medication, particularly stimulant medication.

In addition, the recruiter will want to verify that the individual is able to function adequatelywhile unmedicated.ADHD traits can improve with age,so it is possible for someone who was diagnosed with ADHD but does not currently requiremedicationto enlist in the military.

Different branches have different rules, but it is often advised to discontinue ADHD medication one to three years before attempting to enlist. This allows time to ensure that the medication is not essential to an individual’s day-to-day well-being and functioning.

Individuals must pass entrance examinations before enlisting in the military. Inschooland work settings, people with ADHD are permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act torequest accommodationssuch as taking tests in a private room or extended time to complete testing.

These accommodations are not permitted for military entrance exams. If someone is unable to complete these tests successfully without accommodations due to their ADHD, they might not be able to join the military.

RecapYou may not be able to enlist if:The results of a psychological evaluation might indicate that you are not a candidate to join.You are not able to manage your characteristics without medication.You cannot pass military entrance exams without accommodations.

Recap

You may not be able to enlist if:The results of a psychological evaluation might indicate that you are not a candidate to join.You are not able to manage your characteristics without medication.You cannot pass military entrance exams without accommodations.

You may not be able to enlist if:

College and University Accommodations for ADHD Students

Do I Have To Disclose That I Have ADHD Before Joining The Military?

When enlisting in the military, you are required to provide full, honest, and accurate information about your medical history. This includes disclosing if you have beendiagnosed with ADHD.

If your recruiter learns you were dishonest about your medical history, you might not be permitted to join the military even if you might have qualified even with a diagnosis of ADHD. Additionally, if you enlist under false pretenses and are later found out, you can be dishonorably discharged.

It is best practice to be honest about your medical history. Some branches of the military do not automatically disqualify someone with ADHD from enlisting.

In other branches, recruiters are allowed to grant a waiver to someone who has ADHD if they can demonstrate that traits will not prohibit them from doing tasks required of them in the military.This might include taking apsychological evaluationto demonstrate your current level of functioning.

If you have ADHD and want to join the military, let your recruiter know early in the process and ask them what steps you will need to take to enlist. They can give you details about what criteria you must meet for a waiver or what steps you will need to take to demonstrate competency.

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What Happens When The Military Knows I Have ADHD?

As with any DSM diagnosis, people diagnosed with ADHD riskstigmain their daily lives.This might include your recruiter or peers in the military treating you differently if they are aware of your diagnosis.

If you receive a waiver and are able to complete the necessary requirements, you will be able to engage in your role in the same capacity as someone who does not haveADHD.

Since the military generally does not allow accommodations, your job expectations will be the same as someone who does not have ADHD.

Should I Join The Military If I Have ADHD?

The decision to join the military is personal and based on your owngoals and skills. The various branches of the military require intensive training and structure, and like all jobs, not everyone is a good fit.

If you want to join the military and are able to function in your day-to-day life without medication, you might still be able to get a waiver and join the military.

ADHD characteristics can interfere with functioning and job performance. If you are unable tofunction adequately(for example, follow an appropriate daily routine, get to appointments on time, et cetera) without ADHD medication, you might not be able to join the military.

ADHD Job Rights and Accommodations

Can I Be Kicked Out Of The Military For Having ADHD?

If you disclosed your ADHD diagnosis prior to enlisting and received a waiver, you are unlikely to be discharged from the military for having ADHD.

You can be discharged from the military for failing a drug test, so if you take ADHD medication and do not have permission, you might be kicked out of the military. In addition, people with ADHD are at higher risk forsubstance use disorders (SUDs)than people who do not have ADHD,and you can be kicked out for misusing alcohol or drugs.

While an ADHD diagnosis can be a barrier to someone trying to enlist in the military, it does not automatically disqualify someone from applying, especially if they can demonstrate that they do not require medication or accommodations.

Takeaways

Having ADHD won’t necessarily eliminate your chances of joining the military, but you may face some challenges. If you’re someone who functions better with medication and accommodations, the military might not be the best option for you. If you expect to be able to pass the entrance exam and complete duties of service without accommodations, it could be an option.

It may be tempting to hide your ADHD diagnosis if you’re worried about being rejected from service, but this will only hurt your chances of entry. If you don’t get into the military, don’t despair. There are lots of jobs that are perfectly suited to your strengths and your ADHD.

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6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.USA.gov.Join the military.Thomson P, Vijayakumar N, Johnson KA, et al.Longitudinal trajectories of sustained attention development in children and adolescents with adhd.J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2020;48(12):1529-1542.CHADD.ADHD and the military.Speerforck S, Stolzenburg S, Hertel J, et al.ADHD, stigma and continuum beliefs: A population survey on public attitudes towards children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatry Research. 2019;282:112570.Van de Glind G, Brynte C, Skutle A, et al.The international collaboration on ADHD and substance abuse (Icasa): mission, results, and future activities.Eur Addict Res. 2020;26(4-5):173-178.

6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.USA.gov.Join the military.Thomson P, Vijayakumar N, Johnson KA, et al.Longitudinal trajectories of sustained attention development in children and adolescents with adhd.J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2020;48(12):1529-1542.CHADD.ADHD and the military.Speerforck S, Stolzenburg S, Hertel J, et al.ADHD, stigma and continuum beliefs: A population survey on public attitudes towards children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatry Research. 2019;282:112570.Van de Glind G, Brynte C, Skutle A, et al.The international collaboration on ADHD and substance abuse (Icasa): mission, results, and future activities.Eur Addict Res. 2020;26(4-5):173-178.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.USA.gov.Join the military.Thomson P, Vijayakumar N, Johnson KA, et al.Longitudinal trajectories of sustained attention development in children and adolescents with adhd.J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2020;48(12):1529-1542.CHADD.ADHD and the military.Speerforck S, Stolzenburg S, Hertel J, et al.ADHD, stigma and continuum beliefs: A population survey on public attitudes towards children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatry Research. 2019;282:112570.Van de Glind G, Brynte C, Skutle A, et al.The international collaboration on ADHD and substance abuse (Icasa): mission, results, and future activities.Eur Addict Res. 2020;26(4-5):173-178.

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.

USA.gov.Join the military.

Thomson P, Vijayakumar N, Johnson KA, et al.Longitudinal trajectories of sustained attention development in children and adolescents with adhd.J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2020;48(12):1529-1542.

CHADD.ADHD and the military.

Speerforck S, Stolzenburg S, Hertel J, et al.ADHD, stigma and continuum beliefs: A population survey on public attitudes towards children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatry Research. 2019;282:112570.

Van de Glind G, Brynte C, Skutle A, et al.The international collaboration on ADHD and substance abuse (Icasa): mission, results, and future activities.Eur Addict Res. 2020;26(4-5):173-178.

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