Hi everyone,

I was recently diagnosed with a panic disorder (WITHOUT agoraphobia). I'm currently 17 years old, and I plan on enlisting this summer. I've only had a hand-full of panic attacks throughout my entire life. Joining the Army is all I've ever wanted, and I see some people saying you can join with it, and some say I can't. It's really worrying me, and I don't know what I'd possibly do if I couldn't join. If this helps - I hope to become an infantryman. I feel as if I was wrongfully diagnosed with the disorder - does that matter?

This is really putting a damper on me (worrying that I may not be able to join).

Anyways, can I join the Army with an anxiety disorder?

No way will you get through even basic training with an anxiety disorder sorry mate.

Originally Posted by headwards

No way will you get through even basic training with an anxiety disorder sorry mate.

I don't get panic/anxiety attacks though. I don't take the medication prescribed to me, because I have absolutely nothing wrong. Although, it says "panic disorder" that I don't have on my medical records, which may hinder my chances in joining. It's absolutely stupid.

Note that this a time when the military is cutting back and not recruiting as many people.
With any kind of medical problem you may have problems.
A lot might depend on what kind of ASVAB score you get.

Originally Posted by muscogeemike

Note that this a time when the military is cutting back and not recruiting as many people.
With any kind of medical problem you may have problems.
A lot might depend on what kind of ASVAB score you get.

People are saying "don't tell anyone at MEPS". Should I do that?

As an ex recruiter, although a long time ago by your standards, my experience is that trying to hide something at MEPS is futile. It will come out eventually.

Originally Posted by muscogeemike

As an ex recruiter, although a long time ago by your standards, my experience is that trying to hide something at MEPS is futile. It will come out eventually.

In terms of what? As long as I don't get demoted or kicked out, I don't really care. That's what I'm worried about.

Honestly I dont know. I have yet to meet an american who doesnt take a cocktail of pills daily so maybe having a disorder like that isnt too unusal?
I dont see why these kids always seem to pop up with illnesses with no actual symptoms - how do you let yourself get diagnosed with something you dont have?
But I stand by what I said. Find another career path because this is one where breaking down when the pressure comes on isnt fair on your mates.

Originally Posted by Brendon

In terms of what? As long as I don't get demoted or kicked out, I don't really care. That's what I'm worried about.

Again a lot depends on your ASVAB scores and what job you get. The problems with hiding things at MEPS usually comes to light when your Security Clearance Background Investigation reveals what you are trying to conceal.

Originally Posted by headwards

Honestly I dont know. I have yet to meet an american who doesnt take a cocktail of pills daily so maybe having a disorder like that isnt too unusal?
I dont see why these kids always seem to pop up with illnesses with no actual symptoms - how do you let yourself get diagnosed with something you dont have?
But I stand by what I said. Find another career path because this is one where breaking down when the pressure comes on isnt fair on your mates.

That's what everyone tells me. I can completely function 100% fine without the medicine - and I prefer to not take them. Because, in America, doctors have an excuse for everything. They treat everything with medicine when it's not necessary to. They don't consider therapy or anything like that. They just wanna write prescriptions, because that's the "easy way".