Confusion regarding Adderall

[sarahk718]

We are hearing conflicting information regarding previous Adderall usage, and are seeking information from those who have gone through DODMERB, and reported Adderall usage.

-prescribed Adderall during 6th grade by family physician.
- discontinued after the end of 6th grade.
-had an IEP allowing student to request printed copies from teachers of power points/notes for freshman through junior year of high school.
- removed prior to senior year
- note, no medication has been take or prescribed since end of sixth grade year.

Is this a PDQ? Is a waiver at all possible or an exercise in futility?

 

[Jcc123]

Although each case is unique, a waiver is totally possible. You'll never know unless you go through the process.

 

[Dad]

From USAFA Instructions to Pre-Candidates (may be out of date and different for other SAs and ROTC):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that required an IEP or work accommodations after the age of 14.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) if you have ever taken more than a single daily dosage of medication (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall) or been prescribed
medication for this condition for more than 24 cumulative months after the age of 14.

You can see that it is about the diagnosis as much as the meds. You might want to call DoDMERB directly at 719-333-3562 as no one on the forums can assist you better. Best wishes.

 

[NavyHoops]

I think the IEP will be the biggest issue. How he performs senior year without an IEP I imagine will be critical. They want to see performance remain the same or even increase without an IEP. Agree best bet is to call DoDMERB.

 

[Pima]

I agree with NavyHoops.

I am not 100% positive, but I believe the IEP is going to be the problem.

The rule of thumb is diagnosis after 13. If you were 12 when you were prescribed Adderall than that should not be a biggie.

You just have to work through the process. Keep us updated.

I am curious, because for candidates that are prescribed any meds for ADD/ADHD/ADAHD they want to see you off the meds for 2 years and maintain the same gpa as when on the meds. I don't know if that is the same rule for IEPs. If it is than expect some hurdles.

The reason I say this is because the GC at your HS will also submit paperwork for your SA/ROTC application. You may not be required to admit an IEP on the DoDMERB (don't know if you have to or not), but, however, the GC will submit paperwork too and they will see that you had an IEP through your junior year.

Again, don't give up or worry about it. It is out of your control. Be proactive and get every piece of paperwork in order. You will always regret later on in life if you don't follow this through now. Just work the process.

Good luck

 

[sarahk718]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I have a few follow questions.

1. Can you call the DODMerb hotline even if you are not a current applicant?

2. How do the physcials/adhd questions work? Obviously DS will answer yes to prior medication and dx for adhd. But once the physician inquires more and son states he hasn't taken medication since the age of 11, will the issue then be dropped, or will the additional questions regarding an IEP begin?

This is for AROTC.

DS was orginally planning on applying for scholarship, but has advice to maybe wait until on campus, next fall, go through ROTC the first semester as non enrolled, then apply his spring semester for enrollment.

At that point he would be his senior year of HS and first semester of college with no accommodations. So hope would be a w aver would be easier.

Does this make sense? Would hate to pass up starting his freshmen year as enrolled if this isn't even an issue. As n on enrolled, he could take the class, but not PT or lab.

 

[sarahk718]

Also, I should add, there was no formal DX. The medication was prescribed by a family physician on the recommendation of the private school DS was attending at the time. We have requested his medical records to see exactly what was recorded.

 

[powderhorngreen]

I have posted this before, but will reiterate it here for you:

Here is a link to the most current DODERB "rules" I could find with a quick google search.

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/613003p.pdf



Specifically, the part dealing with ADD states that such a diagnosis is a disqualifying event unless:

a. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (314) UNLESS the following criteria

are met:

(1) The applicant has not required an Individualized Education Program or work accommodations since the age of 14.

(2) There is no history of comorbid mental disorders.

(3) The applicant has never taken more than a single daily dosage of medication or has not been prescribed medication for this condition for more than 24 cumulative months after the age of 14.

(4) During periods off of medication after the age of 14, the applicant has been able to maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average without accommodations.

(5) Documentation from the applicant’s prescribing provider that continued medication is not required for acceptable occupational or work performance.

(6) Applicant is required to enter service and pass Service-specific training periods with no prescribed medication for ADHD.


I will let you take the research from there. PLEASE remember that these standards may have changed and the best place to get up to date information is DODMERB directly.

 

[MabryPsyD]

The IEP is the biggest hurdle. Meds aside, enrollment and utilization is admission of special accommodations of a neurodevelopmental disorder. Now the applicant is back tracking and saying "well...it's not that bad...I didn't really need it..." It's a bad look. Current testing may help, but you can't unring that bell from 50% of a high school career.