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Methylphenidate in the Armed Services |
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Letter from the UK Ministry of Defence on its policy covering people with ADHD taking Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and wanting to join the armed services.
Anyone wishing to join the Armed Services will be required to be off Methylphenidate for 2 years - The main reason this is not accepted is the same as for any long-term medication, if on operations where medication can not be available when a new prescription is required this can cause a problem for both the Armed Service and the person concerned. The reason they require the person to be off medication for 2 years is to ensure that the person can cope without the medication for a sustained period. This does not mean that any child wishing to join the Armed Services is automatically prevented because they have ADD/ADHD. It is purely a practicality and therefore if the young person has managed without medication for 2 years, they will be treated the same as anyone else wishing to join up.
next: Relationship Between ADHD Stimulant Therapy and Substance Abuse
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Last Updated( Jun 19, 2009 )
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reviewed by: Harry Croft, MD
Psychiatrist, HealthyPlace.com Medical Director
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