Preemployent Physical And Disclosure

[It's all my fault]

Does anyone know how in debth I have to go about hospitalizations, suicidal attempts and ECT or do I just have to give my diagnosis if asked? I know my supervisor doesn't have the right to ask these questions. I am sure of that, I'm specifically talking about the mandated preemployment physical. Since I'm on lithium, lamictal, clonopin and Wellbutrin, I'm sure the doctor can figure that out but I'm really nervous about the pre employment physical. I've been out of work for 3 years and told the boss, not HR or employee health, I was caring for my sick parent so thats why I haven't been working. I hate lying but know she would never consider me if I told the truth. Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I think it may help to state what country you're in as laws can vary.

 

[roaminggnome]

I would be careful what you say and to whom. If they do a urine tox screen as part of the pre-employment physical then they probably will detect at the very least the clonopin. I personally wouldn't tell them about hospitalizations, suicide attempts and ECT. You might have to disclose your diagnosis.

 

[It's all my fault]

I'm from the USA. Although I haven't taken the kilo moping for 2-3 months, it's there if I need it. I may not even list it.

 

[It's all my fault]

Sorry, I meant to write Klonopin. I hate autocorrect! Haha

 

[Deleted member 1860]

You can edit your own posts if you post the wrong thing. Just hit the "edit" button. This comes in handy if you make a mistake that might get you a mod warning. I know it's saved me in the past!

 

[Justmehere]

I have struggled with thus very issue. This sounds weird, but is it prior to a job offer or post job offer? It actually makes a big difference what will be asked and required and what the law allows you to not have to say.

 

[It's all my fault]

It's post offering contingent upon passing the physical

 

[Lucycat]

I don't know the law in the US, but here in the UK I would answer questions honestly with minimal information. I would not volunteer anything that was not asked.

Here ( in the UK) they can sometimes ask for consent to access your GP records. You can say no, or you can insist on reading any report they make before they hand it over. However if you refuse consent and then need support later it will make it difficult to ask for help.

Good luck!
If the roles were reversed would you employ you to do the job you are going for?

 

[It's all my fault]

LOL! No, I definitely would not! LOL

 

[Justmehere]

They can ask you a lot more if it is post job offer, but you are also much more protected from them declining the offer based on some stereotype or fear of hiring someone with PTSD - that would be discrimination under the Americans With Disabilities Act. They would have to really prove you couldn't do the job and they could not base it in diagnosis or previous treatment but functioning now.

One thing I was told to keep in mind (I'm in the US) is not to lie (of course) but to also know they only really need to know how you are now. I.e. You don't have to offer info they don't directly ask for.

But do be sure to list meds as that will likely show up on any drug screen and I have had to do drug screens even to volunteer places at times.

Hopefully, unless you are working in a high security clearance job, they won't pry too much and it should go well.