Will Seeing A Psychiatrist Destroy My Chances???

[Confused 20]

Due to depression, I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The psychiatrist has prescribed me some medication to alleviate my depression. Will medical schools that I apply to find out that I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist? If they do, will this greatly hinder my chances of gaining acceptance into medical school?

Any input to the above questions will be appreciated. Thank you.

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[Saluki]

Due to depression, I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The psychiatrist has prescribed me some medication to alleviate my depression. Will medical schools that I apply to find out that I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist? If they do, will this greatly hinder my chances of gaining acceptance into medical school?

Any input to the above questions will be appreciated. Thank you.

No way for them to find out.....

 

[DoctorPardi]

Unless you tell them, how would they know? HIPAA!

 

[swifty100850]

Wouldn't it come up when you're applying for residency though? Would it affect your insurance rates? Just wondering...

 

[astrife]

.

 

[tennisguy896]

Unless you tell them, how would they know? HIPAA!

Yep- it's totally your decision. But morally...if you can adequately explain how you have/anticipate you will overcome this challenge and how it will not negatively affect your abilities in the field of medicine, it might actually help you. We all have weaknesses, so I would personally not recommend starting off a career in medicine by hiding anything. But if you do not feel comfortable talking about it w/ some random interviewer, then that is a understandable reason not to.

 

[Gerrymandering]

🙂 The OP is posting these mad, mad questions...don't focus on the little things. Take big steps in your life towards medical schools. Your psychiatric history can be put on your personal statement, but other than that you don't have to mention it forever. like someone mentioned...LAW OF HIPPO (Hippa--however you spell it 🙂 )!!!

 

[masterMood]

i like hipopotomies...i like

 

[jjmack]

this post illustrates how even people who want to be doctors still have a stigma around mental health...no wonder insurance companies can get away with out covering psychiatric care.

 

[Sanctuary]

Would it hinder your chances of acceptance for seeing a cardiologist? I imagine it would not. Why would it matter if you saw another specialized medical doctor? You do remember that you are applying to medical school, where there is a good possibility that someone interviewing you, or having direct impact on your application, MAY be a psychiatrist or neuroscientist right?

Now, if you were to see an Ethiopian Voodoo Witchdoctor who made you drink monkey blood on a daily basis, that might raise some red flags, if for no other reason than you might be off your rocker.

The underlying point is that if you have any medical issues, they are handled so as to not interfere with your performance as a future physician.

 

[Kristiyana]

this post illustrates how even people who want to be doctors still have a stigma around mental health...no wonder insurance companies can get away with out covering psychiatric care.

So true ... it's so sad ... 🙁

 

[BozoSparky]

Due to depression, I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The psychiatrist has prescribed me some medication to alleviate my depression. Will medical schools that I apply to find out that I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist? If they do, will this greatly hinder my chances of gaining acceptance into medical school?

Any input to the above questions will be appreciated. Thank you.

They won't find out. You should not feel any need/guilt to tell them, either. It's great that you are dealing with depression rather than letting it go. 👍

good luck!

 

[dbhvt]

this post illustrates how even people who want to be doctors still have a stigma around mental health...no wonder insurance companies can get away with out covering psychiatric care.

Some interviewers will have a problem with it. There is no need to mention it, and it's more likely to hurt than help you.

 

[pattayapus]

i'm so sorry you're not happy with yourself or your life right now, i know how it feels...but i'm also glad you still recognize that you want something from life (whether it be med school or whatever), and that the fact that you're "sick" doesn't make you any less wonderful or capable. please take the time and the heart to find someone who understands where you're coming from, and can help you through this! PM me if you like. anytime. *hug*

 

[greendoc]

hi--i know more than a few people in this situation; maybe you do too? and of course as you know they are preceded by many successful others. did you see the 2005 atlantic monthly article on lincoln? if you are interested...

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/prem/200510/lincolns-clinical-depression

as others have said, i understand that as a health issue this carries all the related disclosure restrictions. as in you don't have to tell and you can't really be asked. if you have claimed insurance, though, then your records will mention services and possibly a diagnosis if your psychiatrist recorded one (which sometimes they have to). and i don't think med admissions committees would have any reason to see your insurance stuff. although it might be worth asking about the diagnosis on record in case that comes up in a job context later. hope some of this helps.

and just for my money i'd rather have a doctor who has dealt with his/her depression responsibly and consciously...instead of self-medicating with much alcohol or some such as many do. so good for you from this stranger

 

[runlolarun]

Due to HIPAA, It is really unlikely that they will find out. I honestly do not think I would mention it to interviewers. Some might commend you for getting help but others might condem you. I would just say don't bring it up.

I do commend you for getting help. It is not any easy thing to do with all this stigma.

well done. good luck

 

[PariPari]

Med schools probably won't find out, but some states ask in the liscensing app if you've ever & for what, i don't think it's that big a deal
nobody'll look down on you, I have a friend i wish would see somebody b/c if i have to listen to her *whine & moan* about all her anxiety-ish stuff another second i may kick her.
don't ask, don't tell

 

[jebus]

being a crazy ho is what's really going to destroy your chances.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Due to depression, I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The psychiatrist has prescribed me some medication to alleviate my depression. Will medical schools that I apply to find out that I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist? If they do, will this greatly hinder my chances of gaining acceptance into medical school?

Any input to the above questions will be appreciated. Thank you.

Correct. They don't allow anyone with a psychiatric or medical disorder into medical school. 🙄

Ironically, a large number of specialists were affected by a syndrome in the specialty in which they enter (i.e. an endocrinologist who has diabetes.)
This is ESPECIALLY true for psychiatry.

 

[Kristiyana]

Correct. They don't allow anyone with a psychiatric or medical disorder into medical school. 🙄

Ironically, a large number of specialists were affected by a syndrome in the specialty in which they enter (i.e. an endocrinologist who has diabetes.)
This is ESPECIALLY true for psychiatry.

Hehe ... 😉

 

[SHRINK_MD]

Ironically, a large number of specialists were affected by a syndrome in the specialty in which they enter (i.e. an endocrinologist who has diabetes.)
This is ESPECIALLY true for psychiatry.

speaking of the stigma... that statement is utterly false. No doubt there is a handfull of people entering psych for wrong reasons, i.e. to better understand their own psychopathology, but then again there are plenty of people entering medical school in the first place for wrong reasons, not to mention other specialties (not implying anything about OP btw). Depression and substance abuse are quite common among professionals in general, and the incidence of these among physicians is certainly much higher than general population.

and to adress OP's concern: as everyone already pointed out, noone will know unless you feel compelled to tell anyone. If you do feel compelled to disclose this, just be aware that like anything else in your history, this can be looked at as either a positive or a negative depending on the context, so be prepared to elaborate on the circumstances of your troubles and how you've overcome them.

 

[OSUdoc08]

speaking of the stigma... that statement is utterly false. No doubt there is a handfull of people entering psych for wrong reasons, i.e. to better understand their own psychopathology, but then again there are plenty of people entering medical school in the first place for wrong reasons, not to mention other specialties (not implying anything about OP btw). Depression and substance abuse are quite common among professionals in general, and the incidence of these among physicians is certainly much higher than general population.

and to adress Kristiyana's concern: as everyone already pointed out, noone will know unless you feel compelled to tell anyone. If you do feel compelled to disclose this, just be aware that like anything else in your history, this can be looked at as either a positive or a negative depending on the context, so be prepared to elaborate on the circumstances of your troubles and how you've overcome them.

How is it false?

I know of some specific people.

 

[Gavanshir]

Try to score some ADD drugs while ur at it.

 

[Kristiyana]

speaking of the stigma... that statement is utterly false. No doubt there is a handfull of people entering psych for wrong reasons, i.e. to better understand their own psychopathology

Why do you assume that those wanting to go into psychiatry as a result of their own personal experiences want to do so for the wrong reasons? I want to go into psychiatry and I've been quite ill myself (yes, mentally). I don't want to go into psych in order to "better understand [my] own psychopathology" ... that's silly. Having been through so much, I have a lot of compassion for individuals who are suffering due to their mental illnesses. Please don't make such generalizations. I know there are people with ADHD who go on to be psychiatrists. My own psychiatrist deals with her own mental illness. Sure it's not true of all psychiatrists, but it certainly does occur ... perhaps more than you realize.

 

[md2010???]

Just FYI--I went to one of those med school admissions nights, question-and-answer sessions. One of the admissions deans brought up the issue of how med school adcoms look at applicants who write about depression in their personal statements. She pretty much hinted that people are better off not making it the focus of their essays cause it might suggest they won't be able to deal with the stress, etc.

If I was in your place, I would avoid mentioning it, and they wouldn't have any way of really knowing because of HIPAA.
Good luck!

 

[NCF145]

Due to depression, I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The psychiatrist has prescribed me some medication to alleviate my depression. Will medical schools that I apply to find out that I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist? If they do, will this greatly hinder my chances of gaining acceptance into medical school?

Any input to the above questions will be appreciated. Thank you.

Yes, they will be waiting at your interview with a straight jacket and syringe filled with a haldol/lithium cocktail. J/K....you should be fine. Like everyone else has said HIPAA.

 

[drmota]

considering the fact that most med schools offer free psychiatric visits for med students, i think this thread is quite silly.
-mota

 

[betty7]

Just a thought- I just finished the medical student handbook by Stephen Polk and in it he strongly reccommended drs not to go see therapists through their insurance b/c when you go to get a job or if you ever get sued they will do thorough background checks. He said if you do need to see a therapist (in med school or residency) maybe don't use your name or dont go through your insurance b/c it could get back to you. Just thought you would want to know his opinion, but this is only applicable to your "professional years" I believe. I don't agree with him but I think he makes a vaild point in that it could come back to haunt you. It is unfortunate that society views doctors as superhuman who dont need the type of help as the general population.

Good luck with everything! 🙂 🙂

 

[titoincali]

Just a thought- I just finished the medical student handbook by Stephen Polk and in it he strongly reccommended drs not to go see therapists through their insurance b/c when you go to get a job or if you ever get sued they will do thorough background checks. He said if you do need to see a therapist (in med school or residency) maybe don't use your name or dont go through your insurance b/c it could get back to you. Just thought you would want to know his opinion, but this is only applicable to your "professional years" I believe. I don't agree with him but I think he makes a vaild point in that it could come back to haunt you. It is unfortunate that society views doctors as superhuman who dont need the type of help as the general population.

Good luck with everything! 🙂 🙂

Why would a visit to a psychiatrist show up on a background check??

 

[betty7]

I'm not sure if it was a quote "background check" but Polk did say if you see a psychiatrist through your insurance it can be found out by future employers or during law suits. I'm not sure how though.

 

[SHRINK_MD]

Such is the beginning of a potentially very long and interesting discussion; unfortunately not relevant to the original question and complicated by the fact that as much as I love to have these in person, I’m not a big fan of typing up a storm on online forums. But having brought up some things in my initial reply, I guess at least one follow up is in order.

Why do you assume that those wanting to go into psychiatry as a result of their own personal experiences want to do so for the wrong reasons?

Basically the thought here is that as a shrink you got a job to do, you’re there first and foremost for your patients. If your primary motive in entering psychiatry is to better understand yourself (whether that motive is conscious or not, I’ll elaborate in a bit), then it brings an element of selfishness to your work, placing your patients’ needs and psychological demands secondary to those of your own thus making your work with them less effective. Complicating the issue further, is that if you were to bring your own unresolved conflicts from personal mental illness, it may lead to unhealthy countertransference within your therapeutic relationships potentially harming the patient in ways you could not anticipate. Now having said, I will concede that there are exceptions. Having had a mental illness does not in itself doom you to being a bad psychiatrist and in fact there are ample examples of prominent psychiatrists who came up with novel theories and therapies in part by building on their own experiences with a particular mental illness. But it is still my belief (and not uniquely so) that it is an uphill battle even for those folks, and certainly the shrinks I know personally who have “problems” of their own and yet are at the top of their game professionally are actively in therapy themselves.

I don't want to go into psych in order to "better understand [my] own psychopathology" ... that's silly.

Silly? Yes it definitely seems that way, yet things are not always as they seem. The basic tenet of psychoanalytic theory is “psychic determinism,” which basically means that everything we do happens for a reason, that reason however, typically escapes our conscious thought. There is always censorship at work, “defenses” if you prefer, that shield us from the ideas our conscious mind will find unacceptable. Like all other schools of thought within psychiatry, psychoanalysis is just one theory, one I’m not asking anyone to accept, but I hope we can all agree that there are most definitely unconscious factors at work with most things that we do, including choosing a medical specialty to pursue 🙂

Please don't make such generalizations. I know there are people with ADHD who go on to be psychiatrists. My own psychiatrist deals with her own mental illness. Sure it's not true of all psychiatrists, but it certainly does occur ... perhaps more than you realize.

Sorry if my point earlier was not made more clear. I never meant to imply that there are no shrinks with problems of their own, only that the incidence of mental illness among physicians is similar across all specialties. Well maybe not all…if you’ve ever been in the OR you know what I’m talking about (any surgeons or surgeons-to-be reading this, please don’t lynch me, I’m just going by personal observations here

So much for hating to type…oh well, all in good spirit I hope

 

[Sanctuary]

I'm not sure if it was a quote "background check" but Polk did say if you see a psychiatrist through your insurance it can be found out by future employers or during law suits. I'm not sure how though.

Wrong.

 

[Depakote]

You're fine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Background_check

Nothing about Medical History is mentioned.

HIPPA protects this, their professionalism should protect this.

 

[Punchap]

The number of physicians and medical students who suffer from depression is surprisingly high and it is not an uncommon. I hope that as someone who is depressed and who will be helping patients in the future to deal with depression, you alleviate any stigma you might associate with depression. Everyone has flaws and health conditions. Doctors should not be expected to be super-human. As for any anti-depressant medications -- if you were a diabetic, you wouldn't fail to take your insulin would you? Hope you don't worry about this too much.

 

[luvbugstarsky]

When it comes to this matter it's all about context. I suffered a great loss in my life during my 2nd year of undergrad. The grief led to a year long bout with depression and anxiety. During this time I also performed uncharacteristically poor in school, and even had suicidal thoughts. As a result, I was forced to explain my situation in my application. I was seeing a counseler and a psychologist during this time, and they helped me bounce back in a major way. I presented the all of this as a strength and character building experience. I also asked 2 of my LOR writers to comment on their observations of my "come back". I've been accepted and waitlisted and some great schools (ivy league schools included) So here's the point

1) If you don't need to, don't say anything
2) If it explains discrepencies in your grades or resume, talk about it as negative experience with positive outcome.
3) If at some point during the process it does come out. I don't think adcoms will hold it against you unless their's evidence that it would prevent you from becoming a effective med student and physician.

 

[FirgoMD]

I know of two friends that have seen or been to a psych for depression problems. They both are currently in medical school.

There's really no way for them to know you've been to one unless u tell them. It will probably hurt you if you shared this information.

For instance, I doubt anyone would share how they got a STD and it motivated them to go into medicine. You have to realize there are still some stigma about certain health illnesses. Just use your common sense.

 

[Smoke This]

Wouldn't it come up when you're applying for residency though? Would it affect your insurance rates? Just wondering...

It never came up in applying for residency. It's not a question on the ERAS, NRMP, or on any of the paperwork after matching. The background check run by residencies is a criminal background check, at least at my school. I doubt it can be discovered by an insurance company (or anyone else) due to HIPAA, unless of course you are already making claims to them for mental health care.

To the OP: DO NOT MENTION IT. It can only hurt you. Once you get to medical school, the stigma disappears though. My school even has a yearly dinner where students like yourself who have struggled with depression speak openly about their experiences. You're strong to make it this far and you'll pull through this. Good luck.

 

[DrZee]

if you had gangrene on your foot would you even ask if seeing the necessary physician would hurt you later in your career? well look at mental issues as the same,For example, I know several MDs and RNs who are regularly taking prozac, in fact I have seen them asking attendings for renewal prescriptions in front of everyone. If i was on the adcomms I would rather you see the psychiatrist and receive meds than hide it in fear that it may bite you somewhere else.

Also from personal experience, NO WHERE IN THE APPLICATION TO MEDICAL SCHOOL OR IN INTERVIEWS DO THEY ASK ABOUT YOUR HEALTH CONDITION UNLESS IT IS A HANDICAP THAT REQUIRES ASSISTANCE (and that comes in forms you get after you are accepted). so unless you wish to write a PS on this topic, they wont even know...

 

[LabMonster]

I'm not sure if it was a quote "background check" but Polk did say if you see a psychiatrist through your insurance it can be found out by future employers or during law suits. I'm not sure how though.

And then you could turn around and sue either the doctor or the insurance company. This one seems like a stretch...

Law2Doc - you out there?

 

[DR.M&Ms]

Due to depression, I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The psychiatrist has prescribed me some medication to alleviate my depression. Will medical schools that I apply to find out that I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist? If they do, will this greatly hinder my chances of gaining acceptance into medical school?

Any input to the above questions will be appreciated. Thank you.

I have had a sleep apnea, and due to that condition I was prone to panic attacks, hence my dr put me on Celexa. Now, celexa is an antidepression medication. I was on it for quite a few months, and it helped tremendeously. Where I live ( in Alberta) once you are accepted to med school , you have to provide them with your medical history ( including immunization record). I was worried about it being in my medical history , and my doctor told me that it is against the law for medical school to discriminate against me just because I was on antidepressants for few months.

 

[NothingClever]

Just FYI--I went to one of those med school admissions nights, question-and-answer sessions. One of the admissions deans brought up the issue of how med school adcoms look at applicants who write about depression in their personal statements. She pretty much hinted that people are better off not making it the focus of their essays cause it might suggest they won't be able to deal with the stress, etc.

If I was in your place, I would avoid mentioning it, and they wouldn't have any way of really knowing because of HIPAA.
Good luck!

As everyone has mentioned here, it is not necessary to put "I have depression" on your application (and the admissions committee will never know if you don't). However, if you do decide to include it, it could potentially hurt you (as this poster has mentioned) or it could help you, depending on your situation and life story.

My having Tourette Syndrome and OCD was an integral focus of my personal statement. Both conditions display symptoms which are exacerbated by stress, and this may have lead some admission committees to believe that I couldn't handle a medical school courseload. However, my personal statement showed that the part these disorders have played in my life has made me a stronger, more determined person. The interactions that I had with the psychiatrists and neurologists who treated me for these conditions made me interested in those fields myself.

If you believe that overcoming depression has made you a stronger person, and therefore a stronger medical school applicant, then include it in your application. Do this especially if you are interested in psychiatry. Just be ready for the ocassional question during interviews of how you would handle yourself if your depression returned during medical school.

 

[nibrocli]

But morally...if you can adequately explain how you have/anticipate you will overcome this challenge and how it will not negatively affect your abilities in the field of medicine, it might actually help you. We all have weaknesses, so I would personally not recommend starting off a career in medicine by hiding anything.

i gotta disagree with this. 1) morality has nothing to do with it. 2) clinical depression is a medical condition, not a weakness to overcome.

and it's no one's business but yours and your doctor's. i'd avoid discussing it because of the stigma. it's obvious that there is a stigma, even in the medical community.

 

[Kristiyana]

As everyone has mentioned here, it is not necessary to put "I have depression" on your application (and the admissions committee will never know if you don't). However, if you do decide to include it, it could potentially hurt you (as this poster has mentioned) or it could help you, depending on your situation and life story.

My having Tourette Syndrome and OCD was an integral focus of my personal statement. Both conditions display symptoms which are exacerbated by stress, and this may have lead some admission committees to believe that I couldn't handle a medical school courseload. However, my personal statement showed that the part these disorders have played in my life has made me a stronger, more determined person. The interactions that I had with the psychiatrists and neurologists who treated me for these conditions made me interested in those fields myself.

If you believe that overcoming depression has made you a stronger person, and therefore a stronger medical school applicant, then include it in your application. Do this especially if you are interested in psychiatry. Just be ready for the ocassional question during interviews of how you would handle yourself if your depression returned during medical school.

I'm really glad to read such a positive response ... my interest in psychiatry first stemmed from my own battles with mental illness (which continue to this day ... but that's a different issue altogether ...). I was contemplating whether or not to include that in my personal statement ... in a way, I have no choice because so much of my life has been impacted by these issues ... I don't think I would be the person that I am today had I not experienced these illnesses ... I truly believe that they have made me a stronger, more well-rounded and compassionate person ... 🙂

 

[goose712]

I say don't advertise it, but don't hide it. It is who you are. Some programs may find that a negative, but others will not be troubled. Do you want to be at a program that is not supportive of who you are and what you've gone through? Besides, I think the culture of medicine is changing...ever so slowly.
🙂

 

[BNSN]

I don't want to go into psych in order to "better understand [my] own psychopathology" ... that's silly. Having been through so much, I have a lot of compassion for individuals who are suffering due to their mental illnesses.

Bingo.

My story exactly. Trying to explain why I want to go to medical school without reference to my depression is hopeless. They're intricately linked.

If your motivation for becoming a doctor stems from depression, say so. And make it clear you've learned how to handle it and that you now are a more caring, compassionate person because of it. That's what I plan to do -- and to hell with any AdCom that thinks their school is to good for me because I was clinically depressed.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

I say don't advertise it, but don't hide it. It is who you are. Some programs may find that a negative, but others will not be troubled. Do you want to be at a program that is not supportive of who you are and what you've gone through? Besides, I think the culture of medicine is changing...ever so slowly.
🙂

you do realize this thread was started in April. I was going to respond until i realized the OP had aprobably already submitted his or her application with or without mentioning the depression.

Anyway I also suffered depression and other psychiatric issues. My psychiatrist actually wrote me a very strong LOR. Ok I did do volunteer work for him for 4 years and in many ways he was my mentor.

 

[acrobat]

Don' talk about depression in the interview. I suppose it could help you but the odds that it will hurt you are much higher.

I waas addicted to sleeping pills for a couple months once. No way I'm ever bring that one up!

 

[Vox Animo]

Due to depression, I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The psychiatrist has prescribed me some medication to alleviate my depression. Will medical schools that I apply to find out that I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist? If they do, will this greatly hinder my chances of gaining acceptance into medical school?

Any input to the above questions will be appreciated. Thank you.

maybe if he's your interviewer at a school, and you eat his children then yes.

 

[spicedmanna]

Due to depression, I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The psychiatrist has prescribed me some medication to alleviate my depression. Will medical schools that I apply to find out that I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist? If they do, will this greatly hinder my chances of gaining acceptance into medical school?

Any input to the above questions will be appreciated. Thank you.

You are not alone, and your situation, I'm sure, isn't rare; there are approximately 19 million people in the US that have clinical depression. I'd gander a guess that more than a few of them are healthcare workers, medical applicants, and judging from the allopathic board, medical students. All other things being equal, I don't think they'd hold it against you; it would be unethical and illegal for them to.

As long as you are being treated and it doesn't diminish your ability to learn and practice the art and science of medicine, I wouldn't worry about. If you and your shrink both think that it's cool, then it's cool.

There is absolutely no legal way that the medical schools could get a hold of your medical records, unless you release them. As others have mentioned, don't even worry about it.

If they do somehow illegally find out and don't admit you because of that reason, and you are otherwise qualified, then I'd say that would be grounds for filing suit. It would be both unethical and illegal for them to discriminate against you on those grounds. I think most courts would uphold that.