Does ADHD disqualify you from the FBI?

Asked by: Kirk Ratke  |  Last update: February 28, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (61 votes)

No. There are no automatically disqualifying conditions or treatments.

Does the FBI hire people with ADHD?

We actively recruit persons with disabilities for all roles within the FBI. "My motto has always been 'don't dwell on what you can't do but focus on what you can do. ' I think every person with a disability just wants to be treated normally by other people and respected for what we can offer."

What disqualifies you from FBI work?

Automatic disqualifiers to becoming an FBI agents

Failure to pay court-ordered child support. Engagement in treasonable acts. Failure to register with the Selective Service System, if applicable. Failure to pass a urinalysis drug test administered by the FBI.

Does ADHD disqualify you from law enforcement?

The simple answer is no. ADHD does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a police officer, including with the NYPD. Law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD, evaluate each applicant and their application on a case-by-case basis.

What medical conditions disqualify from FBI?

Examples of health problems that may be disqualifying are an untreated hernia, cardiovascular disorders, serious deformities or disabilities of the extremities, mental health disorders, fainting and/or seizure disorders, metabolic disorders, bleeding disorders, pulmonary disorders, and marked speech abnormalities.

ADHD diagnoses on the rise in adults, here are the symptoms

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Can you be in the FBI if you have anxiety?

Psychological history: Certain psychological conditions, such as severe anxiety or depression, can disqualify an individual from consideration. The FBI looks for candidates who have demonstrated good mental health and the ability to handle high-stress situations.

What medical conditions stop you from being a police officer?

Q: What medical problems would prevent me from becoming a police officer? A: A recent seizure, or a severe heart or lung condition may prevent you from becoming a police officer. The majority of typical applicants meet the medical requirements.

What jobs don t allow people with ADHD?

Here are a few examples of the worst jobs for people with ADHD:
  • Data entry.
  • Accounting.
  • Librarian.
  • Laboratory work.
  • Assembly lines or factory work.
  • Fast food.
  • Retail.
  • Clerical work.

Can cops use Adderall?

It might ask about any medications you're taking on your application, just be honest about it. There are plenty of police officers who take Adderall, and in fact there are people in every profession who do.

Is ADHD a disability under federal law?

Yes. Whether you view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as neurological — affecting how the brain concentrates or thinks — or consider ADHD as a disability that impacts working, there is no question that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers individuals with ADHD.

Why would I fail a FBI background check?

You may be disqualified from a high security clearance job if your record contains any of the following: a single serious crime, a series of lesser offenses, embezzlement, income tax evasion (or other financial crimes), sexual offenses, crimes related to excessive alcohol or drug consumption, a history of personality ...

Is getting hired by FBI hard?

The FBI accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making jobs within the bureau highly competitive. Applicants typically begin their candidacy through one of the FBI's various entry programs, all of which are tailored to specific FBI career tracks.

Can you be in the FBI with autism?

We actively recruit persons with disabilities for all roles within the FBI.

What does ADHD disqualify you for?

The Department of Defense (DoD) outlines the physical and medical standards for military service. According to the DoD, someone with ADHD is ineligible for military service if they had or have: an Individualized Education Program, 504 Plan, or work accommodations after their 14th birthday.

What are 5 employment disqualifiers of the FBI?

Automatic Disqualifiers From Becoming an FBI Agent
  • Committed knowing or willful acts or activities intended to overthrow the United States government by force.
  • Defaulted on a United States government-backed student loan.
  • Violated the FBI's drug policy.
  • Failed a urinalysis drug test administered by the FBI.

What jobs best suit ADHD?

Many adults with ADHD find joy in professions that allow them to work directly with children — in careers such as teaching or child care. These jobs rely on your dynamic personality and thoughtful creativity, though they may put your patience to the test.

Can you work in law enforcement with ADHD?

Conclusions. Police force employees who are autistic and/or have ADHD reported that their conditions provided both benefits and challenges with respect to policing work, and that they had requested related workplace adjustments, although such adjustments frequently do not take place.

Is ADHD meds a narcotic?

Adderall, a prescription medication commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, often raises questions about its classification and potential for abuse. Many wonder if Adderall is considered a narcotic. The short answer is no—it is not classified as a narcotic.

Can I be denied a job for Adderall?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers may not discriminate against applicants or employees with disabilities. If your ADD meets the legal definition of a disability, and you are taking medication as prescribed for that disability, you can't be excluded from consideration on that basis.

Is ADHD a permanent disability?

Yes, it's considered a formal disability under different acts and organizations. The accommodations you can receive may change depending on your condition and how it impacts your life. To qualify for disability benefits under the ADA, your ability to work or learn at school must be impaired from living with ADHD.

What is the best high paying job for people with ADHD?

Creative Fields (e.g., Design, Writing, Video Production): Creativity is a strong suit for many with ADHD. Careers in graphic design, copywriting, video production, or even content creation offer opportunities to channel that creativity into high-paying roles.

What is the main reason police officer job applicants are rejected?

Addictive behavior that could reflect poorly on the Police Department or illustrate bad judgment on the part of the applicant. For example: drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, gambling. Legal inability to own or possess a firearm, (for police officer candidates). Illegal drugs.

What will stop me from becoming a police officer?

In most forces, felony convictions, records of domestic violence, and serious misdemeanors can keep a person from becoming a police officer. Murder, rape, robbery, drug trafficking, and other crimes are immediate disqualifications and may even reveal criminal ties.

What mental illnesses disqualify you from being a cop?

Conditions such as bipolar disorder, recurring major depression, with or without psychotic features or suicidal ideation, recurring anxiety disorders, with or without panic attacks, obsessive/compulsive disorder, and most diagnoses leading to a psychiatric hospitalization require review of relevant medical records.