Will med schools know I’m in therapy and take Zoloft?

[Latteandaprayer]

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I know you’re going to say to make sure I can handle medical school, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m starting therapy and taking Zoloft to treat my anxiety and depression. My doctor (PCP) doesn’t think I’ll have too much trouble.

Anyway, my parents are extremely upset and are telling me I’ll never get into a medical school because they’ll think “I’m crazy.” Will they know? I don’t plan on disclosing it in an essay or anything.

 

[MonkeyArrow]

No

 

[LChristmas]

You did the right thing by starting your treatment before medical school. Nobody will know unless you tell them.

 

[Oso]

Agree with the above.

I'm glad you started therapy/medication NOW.

Unless you volunteer that information, they won't know.

You are not crazy.

Make sure to take good care of yourself.

Best wishes.

 

[ciestar]

Youre under no obligation to mention this.

 

[Latteandaprayer]

Youre under no obligation to mention this.

Right, my parents are just convinced that schools will communicate with my doctor about it. It’s because it happens all the time in our home country. I’ve tried explaining to them that that’s not how it works in the USA, but they’re convinced the doctor just lied to me to convince me to do therapy. It just freaked me out idk.

do I have to disclose any medication I take?

 

[LChristmas]

Right, my parents are just convinced that schools will communicate with my doctor about it. It’s because it happens all the time in our home country. I’ve tried explaining to them that that’s not how it works in the USA, but they’re convinced the doctor just lied to me to convince me to do therapy. It just freaked me out idk.

do I have to disclose any medication I take?

You disclose exactly nothing about yourself to your school, and they won't ask.

 

[smukke]

Not unless you tell them, and even if you tell, depending on who you tell (school therapist, study counselor, etc) they aren't supposed to tell others either (for the most part). Same thing if one of the your professors treats you at the school's clinic. Now does that actually hold true in reality?...

 

[Rajaredhilu]

Dont feel any guilt for getting medicine to get better. It's unfortunate they called you crazy.
good luck

 

[Goro]

I know you’re going to say to make sure I can handle medical school, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m starting therapy and taking Zoloft to treat my anxiety and depression. My doctor (PCP) doesn’t think I’ll have too much trouble.

Anyway, my parents are extremely upset and are telling me I’ll never get into a medical school because they’ll think “I’m crazy.” Will they know? I don’t plan on disclosing it in an essay or anything.

Med schools are not omniscient.

I can't recommend that you start this process until your mental health issues are 100% under control.

 

[On_The_Way_Up]

Medical schools know everything about applicants. They know what you ate for breakfast this morning.

Kidding. And even if they found out they can’t hold it against you.

 

[Latteandaprayer]

Med schools are not omniscient.

I can't recommend that you start this process until your mental health issues are 100% under control.

Medical schools know everything about applicants. They know what you ate for breakfast this morning.

Kidding. And even if they found out they can’t hold it against you.

I’m not asking if they’d look into a crystal ball and know, I’m asking if there’s any line of communication. Like if they’d ever get a piece of paper or whatever that says I am in therapy and taking Zoloft.

As for starting the process, I’m not applying for another year but I’ve been doing just fine balancing ECs and academics, as well as writing lots of essays in a short period of time (English major...). I’m only doing therapy and medication because when classes get really difficult and I have a lot on my plate, I tend to get really sad and anxious, and I’ve found that talking to someone about it helps me immensely. Obviously medical school is basically lots to do on top of difficult classes, so I figured I’d better get my mental health in check before I even start applying. I thought a year would be a good amount of time. That way, if I “relapse” I’ll have coping mechanism and methods to balance my life.

 

[LChristmas]

I’m not asking if they’d look into a crystal ball and know, I’m asking if there’s any line of communication. Like if they’d ever get a piece of paper or whatever that says I am in therapy and taking Zoloft.

As for starting the process, I’m not applying for another year but I’ve been doing just fine balancing ECs and academics, as well as writing lots of essays in a short period of time (English major...). I’m only doing therapy and medication because when classes get really difficult and I have a lot on my plate, I tend to get really sad and anxious, and I’ve found that talking to someone about it helps me immensely. Obviously medical school is basically lots to do on top of difficult classes, so I figured I’d better get my mental health in check before I even start applying. I thought a year would be a good amount of time. That way, if I “relapse” I’ll have coping mechanism and methods to balance my life.

I understand your worry. The thing to keep in mind is that it's very illegal for anyone to tell your school about your health care. It's HIPAA. You'll waste a bunch of time once you're in med school getting familiar with it. As I said before, I think it's really good that you're tackling this now instead of when you get overwhelmed in med school. It's important that you're talking to someone and getting the coping mechanisms you'll need in the future.

For now, focus on all the things to get yourself an acceptance, and know that your healthcare is private.

 

[ciestar]

I’m not asking if they’d look into a crystal ball and know, I’m asking if there’s any line of communication. Like if they’d ever get a piece of paper or whatever that says I am in therapy and taking Zoloft.

As for starting the process, I’m not applying for another year but I’ve been doing just fine balancing ECs and academics, as well as writing lots of essays in a short period of time (English major...). I’m only doing therapy and medication because when classes get really difficult and I have a lot on my plate, I tend to get really sad and anxious, and I’ve found that talking to someone about it helps me immensely. Obviously medical school is basically lots to do on top of difficult classes, so I figured I’d better get my mental health in check before I even start applying. I thought a year would be a good amount of time. That way, if I “relapse” I’ll have coping mechanism and methods to balance my life.

It is literally against the law. You have nothing to worry about.

 

[yersinia_pestis]

I’m only doing therapy and medication because when classes get really difficult and I have a lot on my plate, I tend to get really sad and anxious, and I’ve found that talking to someone about it helps me immensely. Obviously medical school is basically lots to do on top of difficult classes, so I figured I’d better get my mental health in check before I even start applying. I thought a year would be a good amount of time. That way, if I “relapse” I’ll have coping mechanism and methods to balance my life.

Don’t feel you have to explain yourself with regard to therapy/meds. If that is what keeps you going during rough times, keep it up. And DON’T stop when you feel fine. Med school can be a beast, and it’s hard to start therapy and/or meds once you’re in the middle of it.

Having a safety net and crisis plan for medical school can and will be extremely helpful.

And no. The school won’t find out if you don’t choose to disclose. Actually, I’ve literally spoken about mental illness and medication to incoming first years at their orientation, and no admin outside of those who were in the auditorium have ever mentioned anything about it. Come to think of it, even the admins who WERE in the auditorium never mentioned it. One of them did, but she was the one who had invited me to speak in the first place. (That being said, due to the continued stigma of mental illness, I am not endorsing any public disclosure of your personal journey. It’s a big decision to make if you ever choose to do so.)

Feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions. Good luck!