major depressive disorder and nursing

Altra, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2004

Hey everyone,
I recently began nursing school and am reading all of the you know, policies etc... I am diagnosed as having major depressive disorder and am on Welllbutrin, is this considered a disability?? Am I obligated to disclose this to anyone. In the policies, I'm sure you all know, they talk about being mentally sound etc. Does this count? I am just wondering if this can come out to haunt me and if it could become a problem? I don't want to ask anyone in my department because I don't want anyone to percieve me in a certain way. In the policy it also says a person can be removed from clinicals if they exibit "excessive anxiety". What exactly do they mean? Thank you all for your input. I have many other questions and will be posting them all.....

Hi pollywog, welcome! :)

The first question I would ask is, did you disclose this on the health history form you completed as part of admission to nursing school? Was a drug test part of the physical? Were you asked to list all prescription meds that you take? If not, then you may be able to get through school without disclosing this; however, you'll want to think ahead and explore what this might mean in terms of being licensed in your state and drug tests for future employment. These policies vary from state to state and facility to facility, so I don't have any answers for you there. If it were me, I'd start with the state board of nursing - read through the application for licensure process/policies on their website, if possible, or call them.

It's up to your school to interpret the "excessive anxiety" thing - but I would think that it would mean an inability to be calm, think critically, and act accordingly (appropriate to your level of knowledge/experience) in emergency situations.

Hope this helps. :)

LauraLou · Aug 31, 2004

I wouldn't worry. Lots of people are on anti-depressants. I listed Wellbutrin on my drug-test forms, both for school and at the hospital where I have a part-time job, and no one ever said anything to me. As long as your depression is being controlled and you aren't exhibiting any symptoms, there is no reason to discuss your condition with anyone.

NewEnglandRN, RN · Aug 31, 2004

I asked my son's Pediatric Psychiatrist about this question and he responded "if healthcare professionals who take antidepressants were not allowed to work in healthcare, we would lose an incredible amount of Nurses, Doctors, Techs... you name it... we'd be in trouble!"

Good luck,

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2004

You can have a major depressive order and still be mentally sound. I have had a major depressive episode and of course during the midst of it I was definately not functionally. But if it's controlled and treated there is no reason not to live your live and pursue your career.

I would not disclose this information. People a more likely not to understand and to be judgemental. If this is a very recent occurrence, as you doctor what she/he thinks about you handling the stress and demands of nursing school.

My depressive episode preceeded my going to school by a few years. Going to school was such a positive step it was exactly what I needed to continue to lift me from the depression and keep it at bay. It's been about 20 years and I've never been back, and never got that bad again and am not currently on meds. (But a firm believer in medication.)

So don't be afraid of school, don't deny yourself the chance to live life to it's fullest. You are so worth it!

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Aug 31, 2004

I suffered from depression and was admitted multiple times over about 5 years, and was never on antidepressants. After the last admission I requested to try them and they were a miracle cure (literally).

Unfortunately during the last admission I had a woman asked me where I worked. I didn't have the best judgement at that time, so I told her. turns out that woman was on the board of directors at the hospital I worked at, and also turns out that I got a horrible evaluation within a month after having exemplary ones for 6 years.

The moral of the story is...what they don't know won't hurt them or you. They'll be forced to judge you based on your performance and not their biases for or against psych patients.

pollywog · Sep 1, 2004

Wow, thanks everyone who responded to my post regarding major depressive disorder and disclosure. Canoehead (ha ha), what happened to you is exactly what I was worried about. I hope my Doctor (who works at the same school I am going to) won't say anything to my teachers (who work with that Dr). I know that would be very unethical but..... I am glad to know that I am not alone. And 3rdshiftguy, I know what you mean about going to school. The minute I began school I felt totally normal. It has done wonders for my "problem" so far. I know it hasn't been very long but am inspired to know that a rewarding career etc... can make such a difference. Thank you all so much. I am so relieved.

Carolanne · Sep 1, 2004

I asked my son's Pediatric Psychiatrist about this question and he responded "if healthcare professionals who take antidepressants were not allowed to work in healthcare, we would lose an incredible amount of Nurses, Doctors, Techs... you name it... we'd be in trouble!"
Good luck,

LOL, how true! I've been on Zoloft for over a year and no one has ever raised an eye brow. Depression and anxiety are treatable conditions, and as the other posters have said, you're under a physician's care and on appropriate therapy, so enjoy nursing!!

cherokeesummer · Sep 2, 2004

My Phys exam was noted that I have treatment for depression and OCD with Prozac. They asked me about it, as well as my diabetes care. They said as long as I am aware of my limits, if any, and am able to take responsiblity for the safety issues then it was ok. The school nurse talked to me so I imagine she will follow up periodically with me.