Ocd treatment - on my medical record?

Question

I want to get help but I am also looking forward to a career in science, dealing with potentially hazardous things in the near future. Will an employer be able to know whether or not I seeked therapy and/or medication such as antidepressants?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Your health records are to be kept private at all times.  The only time I think they can be made public is if you commit a crime and end up in court.  They may discover that you are on anti-depressants if you are required to take a urine test.  I had to do this and was required to bring in any and all prescription drugs I was taking, so they could know that these drugs found in my urine were "legally" there, so to speak.  I'm in health care and my anti-depressant use was not an issue for my employer.  Good luck...

Answer 2

Somehow I always end up answering questions from Canadians.  ;-)

Still, unless you brought it up or it was something that made it dangerous to you or others to perform your job, which in this case doesn't apply, then they can't find out.

I didn't read all of the details in the new source I listed (now on top), but it seems like the same concepts apply.  Here's the telling quote from the Pan-Canadian Health Information Privacy site.

"A principle that underpins the provisions is that the collection, use and disclosure of health information is to be carried out in the most limited manner, on a need-to-know basis and with the highest degree of anonymity possible in the circumstances."

I kept the HIPAA link in case anyone in the US wants to read it.

Answer 3

No, The only knowledge that the company is able to get, is from the drug testing  that they have you go in for on illegal substances. The only way that they can know anything else, is if you sign something that will give them authorization to be able to check into your medical records.

Answer 4

Not unless you specificlly sign forms releasing information to them. To know what you might be asked, why don't you go online to your dream employer and see if you can get an application. That will tell you what types of information you might be asked. But, don't let anything stop you from getting help/treatment. You want to get control over your disorder and reach the optimum state of well-being! Good luck.

Answer 5

It is illegal to divulge any kind of medical info, (this includes psychiatric treatment).

Btw - no offense, but the proper word is "sought" not "seeked."