Help. I've been shortlisted for a job but they want a medical history. really worried. been on AD's

[elysiadavy]

Although i am physically fit and healthy I have been on AD's for high levels of anxiety. will this reduce my chances of getting employment do you think?
Do they contact my doctor for my medical history or do i just declare it myself.

I think some people/employers may have a problem with employing someone with a history of depression/anxiety especially as i was referred to a mental health team for anxiety management (but never went).

The job involves working with children. what do you think?

Another question. I want to come of AD's now as I am feeling much better. I'm on Cipralex/escitalopram 20mg. my Gp is happy for me to come off them. He mentioned going down to 10mg. How long would I need to be on the 10mg for before stopping completely?

As far as I know, medical history goes on a separate form, straight to Personnel, NOT to the people doing the job interview. The same as your age, ethnic group etc (although, obviously, these are more apparent). I don't think you can be asked about medical history during an interview and I don't think it ought to affect your chances of getting a job, as long as it's compatible with the job. Usually it's more about TB or hepatitis for health care workers.

Surely they can't refuse you a job because of your medical history - isn't that descrimination?? I wouldn't have thought your past health was any of their business unless it directly affects what you do now ??

Can't answer your last point, but the info on your health should be solely for the eyes of the personnel dept not for your line manager and you can declare it or ask them to seek the info from your GP.

You'd be surprised how common AD use is though, I don't think they will care as long as you are okay now and not likely to go postal on them.

I agree with everything Christina has said.

Incidentally since 1 in 3 of the UK population have mental health problems at some time in their lives, you really are 'normal' in lots of ways.

The only question personnel are likely to ask is how you deal with stress these days (and if you are picked for the job they''ll probably ask you to go on a course on stress management ) but don't take it personally, most people are made to go.

elysiadavy - what is the job? Some jobs they might need to know about your medical history but it's unusual. Are they a 'two ticks' employer that you know of?

No it shouldn't make any difference

Don't worry.

I once had this and panicked - I was sent off to the company doctor because I'd had a nervous breawkdown and was signed off work for 2 weeks with stress.

I spoke to the doctor about what had happened, and he said "fine, you're perfectly all right now, no problems".

It was a wonderful relief coming out of there and knowing I'd let that episode go and it couldn't do me any more professional damage. That will proably be your experience.

Sorry my typing is shit this evening for some reason

I have a similar history and have never had a problem getting jobs, try not to worry, so many people are/have been on ads than no one really minds. You may have to see an occupational health person, but every time Ive done this (and worked myself up something chronic) they have just said something about just wanting to make sure that the job wont cause you more anxiety etc.
So be honest and dont worry about letting them know. BTW they cant contact your doctor unless you sign a form specifically saying they can, and they dont tend to do this when recruiting.
On cutting down meds, prob a month on 10 mg would be suggested, then see how you feel about stopping completely, but talk to your GP and he will say.
good luck with the job, and glad youre feeling better

Thanks everyone.

Do I have to declare it on my health form? I would rather not mention it as I am sure they will discriminate.

The job involves working in a Junior school as a Classroom assistant helping people with learning difficulties.

TBH I would declare it as the contract you sign afterwards is signed on the basis that the info you provided was accurate. How did the information request come? Is it not on a separate sheet that goes in a separate envelope to Personnel?

ED, have been researching Cipralex as my DH has just started it (having total nightmare with side effects right now). You need to come off it as slowly as you can, go down to 10mg and make sure you are absolutely happy with that then try cutting them in half for 5mg.

Re your application, I'm pretty sure that 80% of teachers are on ADs anyway, even a small school will be well-informed and sympathetic on the subject.

I think you do have to declare it, yes, if asked the specific question (which you have been). But as has been said, it should be on a separate form that goes to personnel or occupational health (maybe at the LEA?) not to the person conducting the interview. And if they dropped you like a hot brick due to your use of anti-ds, then I think they'd be in trouble re. the Disability Discrimination Act. So if they have a half-way decent recruitment system they'd be careful not to do that.

Actually will those forms even get read by the school, would they not get sent off to the LEA?

I agree with Edam. You cannot be discriminated against because of your use of AD's. It is covered under recent disability legislation (was it 2004?)

I started a new job in November and was asked in a questionnaire what I was taking and I told them about AD. I got the job and its been the best job I've ever had. And its really helped with my mental health having a job I enjoy and feel useful in.

Hope this helps you feel confident to answer truthfully in your case.

Try not to worry about it too much - as everyone else has said, a lot of people have used ADs at some point.

If you don't get the job - do ask for a written response explaining why and get their recommendations for your future development/applications.

i thought all they could ask you was whether you had a disability and what it was, in case they nedd to help you.

Eg, when I applied for my job in a school 11 years ago, I had to fill in a health form.
When I applied for another job with the same LEA, I just got asked if I had any disibilities

pesumably your health form would go to their occ health department wh would clear you for work, might have a chat with you, but shouldnt stop you getting a job.

I am on AD's and worried a lot about this in terms of jobs. Was there a trigger for your depression? I lost a child and I put on forms 'course of treatment for depression due to loss of a child' - makes it seem more of an 'episode' that a recurring problem.

I wouldn't worry though - ad's are very common - most of my friends are on them.

My DH mentioned this to his GP today (as he desperately needs new less stressful job) and the response was 'it's no big deal, about 50% of the UK have been on them at some point". Made DH feel loads better.
And, have to tell someone, DH's side effects have been absent since 5am this morning yippee!!! I can even hear him playing guitar downstairs for the first time in a couple of weeks.

Thanks guys.

When I gave my prescription to the pharmacist I told her my concerns about taking AD's, and she told me half of the town where I am from are on them including her .

Do you think I need to move [

i am trying to register as a cm have history of pnd so ofstead sent me for medical assessment ,it was fine they have just limited me on my numbers for a while,always best to declare anything medical especially where kids are concerned it will only come back to bite you on the bum!good luck