disclosing depression on the residency application

[GuyIncognito]

So among the mountain of paperwork I have to fill out for residency is this:

"Have you ever been affected by or sought counseling or treatment for drug use, chemical or alcohol dependency, or behavior problems?"

Then you're supposed to provide details if yes.

I took zoloft for depression for about 8 months in 2001 or 2002. I don't even remember the exact dates, it was so long ago. I didn't see a psychiatrist. I self-diagnosed myself and got them from university health and after a while I felt better and stopped taking them and I've felt fine ever since.

So how much detail do they want? Do I have to go back to university health and dig up the exact dates and stuff? What a pain.

I personally don't think it's any of their business if I took an SSRI five years ago, but if I lie and answer no, I'm sure it will come back to bite me in the ass later...

 

[Milo]

"Have you ever been affected by or sought counseling or treatment for drug use, chemical or alcohol dependency, or behavior problems?"

Let's break that down.

Have you received counseling/treatment? Yes, but that is not what the question asks.

The question is specific. Have you ever been affected by or sought counseling or treatment FOR:

a) drug use
b) chemical use
c) alcohol dependence (notice they didn't put use or abuse for that one)
d) or behavior problems.


From what you wrote you didn't have a, b or c of the above, if you didn't have behavioral problems (arrests, suspensions, expulsions, violence et cetera) then d would be a no as well.

IMHO you can honestly say no to the question if you just had depression and sought/received help voluntarily. It's none of their damn business.

 

[Psyclops]

I agree with Milo, for this question I wouldn't consider depression to be a behavior problem. You might have sought conseling for a mood disorder, but not a behavior problem. I don't know of any professional who would consider unipolar depression as a behavioral problem. I would feel confident in replying no to that question, and not feel underhanded or that I was splitting hairs or being in any way deceitful. I think you should answer no to that one. Good luck.

 

[Anasazi23]

Definately no.

You're not the person they're looking for.

 

[GuyIncognito]

thanks!