Does anyone know what they should do in situations where a soldier is found to have ADHD?

2019-11-14T14:41:02-05:00

I wanted to ask because I’ve been told I should try to get an evaluation. I have pretty bad concentration problems. I haven’t been able to find much on finding ADHD in a soldier already serving.

Does anyone know what they do in situations where a soldier is found to have ADHD?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 2:44 PM

2019-11-14T14:44:13-05:00

Give you medication if you want. There are also different techniques you can try. You can serve with ADHD...

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 2:46 PM

2019-11-14T14:46:55-05:00

I suggest you see a professional. Our jobs require maximum concentration in stressful situations in the battlefield. Take a knee, get better and get back in the fight.

Response by CPL Tim Wright made Nov 14 at 2019 3:04 PM

2019-11-14T15:04:52-05:00

I'd say get the evaluation. My ADHD is minimal, I can feel my mind wandering off but I can reel it back in pretty easily no medication required. My best friend on the other hand, I can tell when he hasn't taken his pill (ie. talking to him and he has no idea what we were just talking about). Either way, even though ADHD isn't a major thing it can still impact you and other people if its strong enough and left unchecked.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 4:39 PM

2019-11-14T16:39:11-05:00

I have pretty bad ADHD and what I did was go to BH and tell them I had concentration problems and they recommended I go to the hospital to run some tests. ( memory, reaction, puzzles and stuff like that) a few days later I got my results and sure enough I had it pretty bad. I talked to the PA and he prescribed me adderall.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 6:31 PM

2019-11-14T18:31:21-05:00

Hello,

Its been my experience that new entrees through MEPS with diagnosed ADHD and ADHD medication (adrenal, Ritalin, concerta, etc) are simply not allowed to enter the service, not without ample time (typically 24 months) of being OFF the medication.

With that being said, being diagnosed with ADHD falls under the behavioral health category, which is a grey zone for active duty military members. Typically, its not good news to be diagnosed with ADHD, assuming you follow on with ADHD medication.

I have seen active duty personnel on ADHD medication, however its very tentative to progress your career while taking these medications. Any history of ADHD while being active duty (and being treated for it while on active duty) is simply not a good look for the future of your career. This is just my opinion and experience working with MEPS and active duty soldiers that have asked the same question as you. I hope this somewhat helps.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 9:12 PM

2019-11-14T21:12:54-05:00

MEDBOARD out... no disrespect to the Soliders disabilities, but that creates complacency.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 9:26 PM

2019-11-14T21:26:05-05:00

They usually just give you some Adderall. ADHD itself won't get you kicked out of the Army.

Response by SGT George Stephens made Nov 15 at 2019 11:25 AM

2019-11-15T11:25:18-05:00

As a guy that suffers from OCD and ADD, it's a matter of finding what suits you and where you learn to shut it off. I am OCD because I have to fold a certain way, put certain colors a certain way, shoes in a certain area, etc. Then again I believe that 90% of the military is that way so we all have OCD in some shape, form, or fashion. ADD however is a little harder to control. I found that I have a huge interest in working on firearms and machinery but I also love my MOS as well which is 31B02 and 11B02 and both require a great deal of attention to details. However, I have also found my curse to be a gift as well because I've managed to find things that caught my attention other than what I was originally working on and come to find out it was a part of a bigger solution to solve the current problem. If you seek help then that's respectable but also you have to find your lock down area.

Funny enough, research has found that people who have ADHD are actually very good at mechanical skills and even video games like Mortal Kombat, Dead or Alive, Skyrim, and other games that involves a lot of movement and action that keeps our brain's process going, eyes and hands movement being continuous, and doesn't allow you to slow down.

Not suggesting you play video games all day long or work on vehicles but that was just a fun fact that I found out. Find your lock down brother, learn to use it and control it, then get back in the fight

Response by SSG James Morgan made Nov 15 at 2019 2:20 PM

2019-11-15T14:20:00-05:00

I had a soldier with ADHD. It takes a lot of patience and you have to keep it in consideration when he/she drops the ball on stuff. Remember, they can't help having ADHD unless they have a prescription. But still even on meds it can go completely the opposite direction. They may become so focused that they can't multitask and lose track of time. There were time where my troop was so focused while on meds he would miss meals and I would have to remind him to eat. It is helpful to work with the rest of your whole section to keep him/her on track, especially those who work directly with him/her. It helps if the rest of the team is aware of his/her situation, but be careful that he/she is ok with them knowing his/her condition first. ADHD is a team effort and will help him/her succeed on down the line. Good luck and best wishes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2019 1:20 PM

2019-12-22T13:20:37-05:00

Go see a behavioral health specialist

Response by SGT Aaron Cordial made Jan 22 at 2020 10:23 PM

2020-01-22T22:23:42-05:00

Get the eval I wish I would have but later to see the signs of it that is on my to do list next appointment.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 4:47 PM

2020-02-11T16:47:01-05:00

One of my buddies at Lewis was given medication and it helped him out

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 8:18 PM

2020-02-11T20:18:05-05:00

ADD/ADHD can be diagnosed without repercussions as a servicing service member (not trying to enlist). Technically though, a lot of the criteria only applies to children, so sometimes this becomes a bit of a tricky thing.

You do need to speak with your PCP and talk with a mental health specialist as well. There are lot of non-psychiatric reasons for these symptoms that if identified, might help you as well. Either way, go to your PCP.

Response by CPT Jay Ward made Feb 24 at 2020 5:20 AM

2020-02-24T05:20:55-05:00

The structure of the military is probably less disturbing to an individual with ADHD. it's not so much attention deficit as attention discernment. they have a problem of too much input and even coffee can help them concentrate better.

Response by CPT William Jones made May 23 at 2020 8:55 PM

2020-05-23T20:55:50-04:00

sounds like that is what a medical board is for

Response by SGT Anthony Bennett made Aug 2 at 2020 11:33 AM

2020-08-02T11:33:27-04:00

ADHD is manageable, though you'll probably make some foolish mistakes along the way, much as I did. They didn't have ADHD as a condition when I was in, but these days, I'm certain I qualify as ADHD. I did some stupid stuff when I was younger, but I got over it and managed to exit with E5 stripes, and only had E3 twice before I got E4. The best advice I can give you is to try not to make snap decisions in regards to garrison situations. Once you get in the field, you'll have little choice, but when possible, avoid doing so, especially when it's something in regards to personal issues. (These can be a big pain being ADHD, as you can feel slighted or overlooked when you're not, and the choices you make in these cases can cause you a lot of headache in your career.)