mental health history

[Mat_M]

Hello all,

I was diagnosed with a psychosis attack over three years ago when I lived in Canada and was hospitalized there for almost a month. I have been visiting a psychiatrist almost every three months since then and been taking some medications (which are quite cheap). After being discharged from the hospital I left Canada and spent about a year working as an engineer in Dubai and then started my PhD in the United States almost two years ago so I have been doing fine. Other than this I have not had any other medical problems in my life. I am though concerned that my mental health history may result in my inadmissibility in the medical exam. So my first question is that what you think about my situation and if you have had any experience with this?

My second question is about a letter I have received from my psychiatrist to give to the panel physician. Part of it reads "He has been compliant with treatment and his symptoms are well controlled, including no suicidal or homicidal ideation." I am not a native English speaker so if English is your native language, can you advise what is your interpretation by reading this? I mean does this mean that I have had suicidal or homicidal ideation before but they are now under control? I have never had such ideas so I am concerned that the way the letter is written might imply that I have had these ideas before but not now.

 

[mtc1992]

Hello all,

I was diagnosed with a psychosis attack over three years ago when I lived in Canada and was hospitalized there for almost a month. I have been visiting a psychiatrist almost every three months since then and been taking some medications (which are quite cheap). After being discharged from the hospital I left Canada and spent about a year working as an engineer in Dubai and then started my PhD in the United States almost two years ago so I have been doing fine. Other than this I have not had any other medical problems in my life. I am though concerned that my mental health history may result in my inadmissibility in the medical exam. So my first question is that what you think about my situation and if you have had any experience with this?

My second question is about a letter I have received from my psychiatrist to give to the panel physician. Part of it reads "He has been compliant with treatment and his symptoms are well controlled, including no suicidal or homicidal ideation." I am not a native English speaker so if English is your native language, can you advise what is your interpretation by reading this? I mean does this mean that I have had suicidal or homicidal ideation before but they are now under control? I have never had such ideas so I am concerned that the way the letter is written might imply that I have had these ideas before but not now.

Ex mental health nurse here. He is saying that you take your medication willingly, and in his opinion you are not a threat to yourself or anyone else and that you show no symptoms of psychosis or they are not at a level which cause you distress. It's a good recommendation.

 

[Mat_M]

Ex mental health nurse here. He is saying that you take your medication willingly, and in his opinion you are not a threat to yourself or anyone else and that you show no symptoms of psychosis or they are not at a level which cause you distress. It's a good recommendation.

Thank you so much! Your comment is very helpful and encouraging. Thanks again.

 

[mtc1992]

Thank you so much! Your comment is very helpful and encouraging. Thanks again.

No problem. I can't guarantee that you will pass your exam but it's a very positive recommendation! I hope you are doing well by the way.

 

[Mat_M]

No problem. I can't guarantee that you will pass your exam but it's a very positive recommendation! I hope you are doing well by the way.

Yes I see. I may not even know if I have passed or failed it after I go for the exam, I guess I just have to wait for their final decision. This is not a very common case.

I am doing just fine, thank you very much!