Pre-employment medical & past conditions

elavia

Hello!

I've never done a pre-employment medical before but do they ask about mental illness? And if they do, do you need to tell them? I have a past history of some mental health problems but am not currently affected by them, nor am I currently on any medication or seeking treatment. I've been functioning perfectly fine for a few years now and I don't want my past history to affect my future anymore so I'm just wondering if I'd be better off saying nothing at all?

Mrs OBumble

What they ask about depends on the job, and what they're screening for. Often it's only for drugs/alcohol and things that would physically stop you from doing the job, so they might not ask.

But whatever they do ask, you need to tell the truth. If it later transpires that you didn't, then you can get fired for the dishonesty, even if the problem itself would not be serious enough to stop you having been hired initially.

elavia

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

What they ask about depends on the job, and what they're screening for. Often it's only for drugs/alcohol and things that would physically stop you from doing the job, so they might not ask.

But whatever they do ask, you need to tell the truth. If it later transpires that you didn't, then you can get fired for the dishonesty, even if the problem itself would not be serious enough to stop you having been hired initially.

Okay, thank you. The job I've gotten was extremely competitive and I don't want anything to hinder my chances of progressing. I know that I'm well and healthy now but I'd rather my employer didn't know my past history for fear of discrimination. Does the employer ever find out the details of the medical if it's carried out by a doctor? I read somewhere that the employer only knows whether I pass or fail - is this true? I'm so afraid of them finding out and not thinking I'm capable and then dismissing me after the probation period or something.

uck51js9zml2yt

If it was me I wouldn't tell them.
Your under the supervision of your gp and there are no current issues.

elavia

So does anyone know if the doctor actually discloses the details of the medical to the employer?

nikkibikki

elavia wrote:

So does anyone know if the doctor actually discloses the details of the medical to the employer?

No the details can't be disclosed without your permission IME.

An ex colleague of mine ended up out on sick leave for something once. Linked to a pre existing illness. Her senior manager basically accused her of telling lies during the medical and she was left with no choice really than to give her permission for the details to be disclosed to the company to prove she hadn't lied.

Tell the truth whatever you do. You might not be asked about it.

Mrs OBumble

Nathaniel Squeaking Gong wrote: »

If it was me I wouldn't tell them.
Your under the supervision of your gp and there are no current issues.

That's not really the point: there are some jobs where any history of mental illness disqualifies you on public safety grounds
grounds.

So if they ask, you need to tell.

It's up to then to judge if the risk is acceptable, based on the demands of the job.

elavia

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

That's not really the point: there are some jobs where any history of mental illness disqualifies you on public safety grounds
grounds.

So if they ask, you need to tell.

It's up to then to judge if the risk is acceptable, based on the demands of the job.

I will tell the doctor but this just seems so unfair. I'm graduating top of my entire degree programme and know that I am capable of working to a very high standard so it upsets me terribly to know that a period of depression I had several years ago could affect my chances at life now.

nikkibikki

elavia wrote:

I will tell the doctor but this just seems so unfair. I'm graduating top of my entire degree programme and know that I am capable of working to a very high standard so it upsets me terribly to know that a period of depression I had several years ago could affect my chances at life now.

It may have no effect at all on whether the doctor deems you fit for the job. Think of it this way, you've proven that if depression hits you again that you have the strength to go seek the help that you need. It's something that can hit literally anybody. Try to look on the positive aspects of the experience. The strength you gained and the tools you gained.

Mrs OBumble

elavia wrote: »

I will tell the doctor but this just seems so unfair. I'm graduating top of my entire degree programme and know that I am capable of working to a very high standard so it upsets me terribly to know that a period of depression I had several years ago could affect my chances at life now.

Depending on the job, the doctor may not even ask about it.

Mental health issues are not relevant for lots of jobs, and would not be covered by the medicals. Even when they are relevant, the assessing doctor may be satisfied that you are able for the job because you are getting proper clinical supervision.

But there will be some things that you cannot do, no matter how much you want to, because of your medical history. Just like there are some things I cannot ever do because my co-ordination is poor and my feet are slightly mis-shapen.

Stheno

elavia wrote: »

Okay, thank you. The job I've gotten was extremely competitive and I don't want anything to hinder my chances of progressing. I know that I'm well and healthy now but I'd rather my employer didn't know my past history for fear of discrimination. Does the employer ever find out the details of the medical if it's carried out by a doctor? I read somewhere that the employer only knows whether I pass or fail - is this true? I'm so afraid of them finding out and not thinking I'm capable and then dismissing me after the probation period or something.

elavia wrote: »

So does anyone know if the doctor actually discloses the details of the medical to the employer?

nikkibikki wrote: »

No the details can't be disclosed without your permission IME.



Tell the truth whatever you do. You might not be asked about it.

The form you usually sign when filling out your details/history for a work related medical has a section asking you to give permission for details to be disclosed if necessary

Any work related medicals I've had, have specifically asked if there is any history of mental illness, along with asking about specific questions on physical health conditions, and asking for details of any time spent in hospital. They all also ask if you currently have any conditions.

elavia

Stheno wrote: »

The form you usually sign when filling out your details/history for a work related medical has a section asking you to give permission for details to be disclosed if necessary

So, unless 'necessary', which I assume is in the case of if I'm taking leave or something in the future, it won't be disclosed, is that correct?

Thanks for all the replies everyone - I'll try not to be so stressed and keep my fingers crossed I haven't been getting any treatment for several years now and have been living a completely normal life since I was discharged so really hoping the job offer won't be retracted or I'll get dismissed after the probation period because of my history.

blindsider

IME pre-employment medicals are usually (but not always) about your physical ability to do the job.

E.g. chronic back problems, high/low blood pressure, illegal drug use etc

I think(!) that if a person appeared relaxed and 'matter of fact' the GP would ask routine questions. If a person was nervous etc, the GP might be more inquisitive. (There is 'white coat syndrome' though.)

As the wise Mrs O says above, if you're asked a question, you need to answer it honestly.

Is your own GP worth a visit? Just to chat through the whole thing - s/he may have practical advice for you.

If you can demonstrate that an historical (physical or mental) illness has no bearing* on your current performance levels and ability to do the job, there should be no issue.

*There are caveats - Mrs O has mentioned this already. E.g. Being blunt, you're unlikely to get a job as an Air Traffic Controller - stress levels are VERY high sometimes

BOL!!!

Stheno

elavia wrote: »

So, unless 'necessary', which I assume is in the case of if I'm taking leave or something in the future, it won't be disclosed, is that correct?

.

No. If the job you are going for would be considered particularly stressful, then your having had depression in the past may be a consideration. Mental illness and having a history of such, can affect an employers view of your ability to do a job, if there is potential for a lot of stress, which may lead to the illness recurring. So if the job is one which is highly stressful and will place severe demands on people, then a history of depression is one which would go against you. I don't mean to sound like I'm against you here, I'm just trying to tell you the worst case scenario

blindsider wrote: »

IME pre-employment medicals are usually (but not always) about your physical ability to do the job.

E.g. chronic back problems, high/low blood pressure, illegal drug use etc

I think(!) that if a person appeared relaxed and 'matter of fact' the GP would ask routine questions. If a person was nervous etc, the GP might be more inquisitive. (There is 'white coat syndrome' though.)

As the wise Mrs O says above, if you're asked a question, you need to answer it honestly.

Is your own GP worth a visit? Just to chat through the whole thing - s/he may have practical advice for you.

If you can demonstrate that an historical (physical or mental) illness has no bearing* on your current performance levels and ability to do the job, there should be no issue.

*There are caveats - Mrs O has mentioned this already. E.g. Being blunt, you're unlikely to get a job as an Air Traffic Controller - stress levels are VERY high sometimes

BOL!!!

Yes stuff like and Air Traffic Controller/Pilot would be out of the question with a history of depression, as would the likes of highly stressful jobs trading in Finance, and some operational IT/Pharma roles, with severe deadlines.

Those are all I can think of.

The_Conductor

If its public sector- any episode of sickness in the preceding 5 years which was certified or necessitated time off college/uni or a paid job- is supposed to be disclosed (anything over 5 years is deemed sufficiently clear in the past- normally- unless its specifically requested otherwise).

The report is normally by way of a doctor to doctor report- aka from your GP or Consultant- the GP or consultant employed by the company who are offering posts to prospective employees. You are not necessarily entitled to a copy of the report.

Its always best to disclose- if the condition were to reappear- and you were in a high power/high stress role- the job itself could crucify you.

If this means you have to tailor the posts you go for- so be it- life is short- you owe it to yourself to give yourself the best possible opportunities to have reasonable mental and physical health- everything else after your health is secondary imho.

elavia

The_Conductor wrote: »

If its public sector- any episode of sickness in the preceding 5 years which was certified or necessitated time off college/uni or a paid job- is supposed to be disclosed (anything over 5 years is deemed sufficiently clear in the past- normally- unless its specifically requested otherwise).

The report is normally by way of a doctor to doctor report- aka from your GP or Consultant- the GP or consultant employed by the company who are offering posts to prospective employees. You are not necessarily entitled to a copy of the report.

Its always best to disclose- if the condition were to reappear- and you were in a high power/high stress role- the job itself could crucify you.

If this means you have to tailor the posts you go for- so be it- life is short- you owe it to yourself to give yourself the best possible opportunities to have reasonable mental and physical health- everything else after your health is secondary imho.

Thank you. It is in the public sector and my 'time off' period was in 2010... so just on the 5 years!

My current GP doesn't know anything about my history because I have moved from where I was at the time and had to get a new GP. I haven't seen a consultant in about 4 years I think. I'm still not sure of the details of the medical though, just been worrying about it a bit since I heard I needed one.

Completely agree with you about your health before your job. I've always been a very high achiever though and know I'm very capable and enjoy the challenge. The job I've gotten was extremely competitive and I feel very fortunate to have gotten it. I'm not sure exactly what it will entail stress wise but I'm excited to give it a shot and hoping my past medical history won't affect my ability now (in that, it won't affect me getting the job - I'm confident I'll be able to handle the job as I've handled some very high stress situations in the meantime and managed just fine).

Stheno

My posts were in relation to private sector so different