idk if this makes me even more non-trad or not
but here goes...
i have a family history of depression/anxiety, and was diagnosed myself some years ago
i'm currently on citalopram (depression/ocd)
and alprazolam (anxiety)
i've been wondering if this will somehow affect my chances of getting into a good med school?
i don't consider myself unstable, lol
the meds have me "under control"🙄
but when it comes to work, etc, none of this has ever affected my performance
any ideas on this?
thanks in advance
I'm not sure about the medical school application process, but it may come up in licensing. I'm a mid-level, and for my licensing process there is a question on the application that asks whether the applicant is being treated for depression, substance abuse, or other mental illness. I can't remember the exact phrasing. If the answer is "yes", then there is a spot for a brief narrative elaboration.
I have written letters to licensing boards on behalf of patients who are applying for a professional license but have some sort of mental illness. The issues the boards have been primarily interested in is level of sustained stability versus the simple presence of mental illness. For instance, does the applicant have a pattern of impaired judgment, functioning, or safety? Do they follow clinical recommedations? Do they have a pattern of illicit substance use? Are they constantly in crisis and require lengthy periods of restabilization? Is there a known history of violence to self or others? They want to hear about your diagnostic history, specific symptom presentation, and clinical indications for your medication regimen.
Make sure your psychiatrist is aware of your professional goals and is supportive. S/he will likely have to provide follow-up documentation (I have many times for patients), and you want that person to be able to give you a 100 percent endorsement without reservation. Especially with Xanax in the picture, you want to avoid doctor shopping, missing appointments, concurrent substance abuse, frequent increasing doses with demands for early refills... all examples of big red flags for providers and likely to be discussed in their reports to the Board. You want your chart to show consistency and compliance to the best of your ability to control such things.
The only licensed folks I am aware of that have major difficulties with mental illness are pilots. Even simple depression in that profession is a big deal. It's been my experience treating and working along side physicians that of course they have the same likelihood as anyone else to have mental illness, and as long as they are compliant with treatment, functional, stable, sober....no problem. Hopefully someone with direct experience completing the application/licensing process will have additional feedback.
Good luck, and take it easy
🙂
