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I have ADHD

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I have ADHD

When putting an application in for a job, do I put on the application that I have a disability if I have adhd? It is controlled with medication. Has anyone encountered this issue? Also, do potential employers do drug tests? They would see that I would have Adderall in my system. I have been employed with same employer for 8 years and didn’t have drug screening with this employer. Any insight would be appreciated.

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  1. Anonymous

    I also have ADHD and take Adderall. I have only been drug tested once and prior to the test I disclosed all of my medications I take. It did come back as a negative for me, however when I explained it to HR and brought my prescription bottle in, everything was fine. Depending on the position I'm applying for I sometimes bring up my ADHD in conversation, but I have never disclosed it on an application. I don't know if that is right or wrong, but I am pretty much in a creative position now. Good luck!

  2. Jessica Bright

    Highly recommend disclosing up front at the screening, yes.

  3. Anonymous

    You’re totally correct. You do not need to disclose at any time, unless accommodation is what you’re seeking.

  4. Anonymous

    If your test comes back positive a medical review officer will contact you and once the prescription is verified the positive results will be overturned. Your prospective employer should not have access to this information unless certain government agencies or contracts.

  5. Anonymous

    I'd say nothing until the drug screening. If you are qualified, you are qualified.

    Take meds/prescription to drug screening and tell them.

    I'd disclose nothing you don't need.

  6. Sue Gordon- retired Career Coach

    Do not disclose a non-visible disability until after the offer or preferably after you’ve begun. And then only if you require reasonable accommodations. Be prepared to share what those are. Do of course disclose prior to drug tests. If you do not require accommodations then be clear about that if you disclose.

  7. Anonymous

    You do not need to disclose at any point unless you are asking for accommodation. Many people have answered the question about drug testing.

  8. Anonymous

    The EEOC application questions about disabilities are not disclosed to HR or the hiring manager (by law). These questions are illegal in the application and interview process, so there is no reason to tell anyone anything unless you need an accommodation, but not until an offer. About drug screening, you should have no issue with Adderall. They are looking for narcotics and alcohol. I have passed drug screens with benzos in my system.

  9. Jessica Bright

    No issue, but make sure you have a prescription for it and that you disclose it at the start of the drug screening (take your Rx bottle with you).

  10. Anonymous

    You do not need to disclose even if you receive an accept an offer. You only need to disclose if you are seeking accommodation. Why are people talking specifics on this topic if they have no idea what they’re talking about.

  11. Anonymous

    Why are you responding the same thing to everyone who posted here? You didn't read my post. I said the same thing you said.

  12. Anonymous

    Adhd is not a disability.
    You have no reason to mention this. Just like I have no reason to mention that I have hypothyroidism and I must take medication every day.. If you are worried about a drug screen , just take the test.. Your doctor or nurse practitioner can give you a note if the drug screen shows
    A particular medication that you've been prescribed. If you are using an illicit substance such as meth, That's a different story

  13. Anonymous

    Actually, ADHD is labeled as a disability. No disabilities need to be disclosed, but it is indeed considered a disability.

  14. Anonymous

    Excuse me? ADHD absolutely IS a disability. It can be extremely debilitating both personally and professionally.

    Please educate yourself before making claims about disorders that you clearly don't understand.

  15. Anonymous

    Check your facts before posting bad “advice”. It is a disability. Yes, there are other factors to determine if she should disclose, but don’t undermine a very legitimate disability.

  16. Anonymous

    You couldn’t spend 30 seconds googling whether ADHD is considered a disability before providing your input? ADHD is a neurological disorder that is absolutely 100% classified as a disability under the ADA.

  17. Anonymous

    This is a ridiculous comment! As everyone mentioned, ADHD is considered a disability by the ADA. I believe hypothyroidism could be considered a disability, depending upon the severity and impact upon your life and health. But what does meth have to do with this at all? It seems like a very weird comparison or example about medications. No one talked about using illicit substances. Wtf

  18. Anonymous

    I am a primary care provider with dual certification in psych/addiction medicine..... Absolutely- SOME amphetamines show up on drug screens as similar to "meth" and can confound the results. Or, the person CAN be using meth/amphetamines and state "I"m on ADD meds"....HAPPENS EVERY DAY.... If you don't believe me, just google this. Hence, i AM advising to bring a note or prescription from the MD or NP if you fail the screen. However...as a provider, I've "seen" patients state that they are worried about their ADHD when IN FACT, they are using METH AND NOT BEING TREATED FOR adhD...people, THIS IS THE REALITY of medicine..... so, I'm bypassing comments about disability here to givE further explanation about the original poster's comments AND CONCERNS...... Is she has ADHD, the answer is very simple: Just bring your prescription to provide support, if needed. Very simple.

  19. Anonymous

    Adderall is amphetamine and dextroamphetamine so it is going to show up on a drug test. I would rather have my employer know up front that I am on it rather than have them see it and not trust where it really originated.

  20. Anonymous

    This isn’t how the drug testing process works, see all the other accurate drug testing comments.

  21. Anonymous

    Now that it shows up on the list of examples of disabilities, I do check that box. And yes, many employers do pre-employment drug screening. If you are on methylphenidate or something other stimulant, it will show up. But with that said, what will happen is that the MRO (medical review officer) will reach out to you to discuss the positive result, confirm any sort of prescription, etc. before this is passed along to the employer.

  22. Anonymous

    You are not legally required to disclose at any point unless you are seeking accommodation.

  23. Anonymous

    As an HR manager, I fully realize and understand that. Having had to do various reporting over the years, I also see why employers would like that info. I choose to disclose.

  24. Anonymous

    That’s good, for you, but not everyone

  25. Anonymous

    Which I fully understand. I was sharing what I do.

  26. Anonymous

    It depends on the employer, but quite a few do have drug screenings. When you test positive, the testing company should reach out to you to verify whether or not you have a prescription. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to call them and/or bring in your med bottle/a copy of your script.

    That being said, as someone with unmedicated ADHD, I always select no because sadly, discrimination is a very real possibility—whether it's illegal or not—especially considering the pathetic lack of worker's rights in the US. They don't have a right to know what conditions I have, anyway.

    If I need accommodations down the line, I may choose to disclose it, but it'll be when I feel comfortable doing so.

  27. Anonymous

    I have ADHD and take Vyvanse.
    I do answer "yes" when asked if I have a disability, and they do detect the Vyvanse in the drug test, but they contacted my doctor who verified my prescription and it didn't slow the hiring process at all.

  28. Cynthia Ann

    I am prescribed medication legally by a physician- I do not put indicate a disability as I’m being successfully treated for it

  29. Terri Andrews Gutierrez

    If you have a prescription for your ADHD Medicine just bring that prescription, or the bottle, to a drug screening, if there is one.

  30. Anonymous

    I would not list this on the application, unless you are seeking accommodations for your ADHD. If the employer does do drug tests, just declare at that time that you have a valid prescription for Adderall and maybe bring it with you to be safe.

  31. Anonymous

    It's worth disclosing if you need reasonable accommodations HOWEVER I would recommend waiting until you get hired to mention it. People are biased (consciously or unconsciously) against disabilities and don't understand ADHD. Don't ruin your chances at an opportunity by disclosing too early.

    As for the drug screening, my doctor said that once you're hired and they order the drug test, to disclose that you will test positive for amphetamine due to a prescription so they should test specifically for methamphetamine

  32. Rhyme Penttila

    You can put you have a disability, because it doesn't ask you what it is. If you're prescribed your meds the testing facility isn't going to inform your employer what you take.

    I would really only ask for accomodations if they are needed, you would normally do this by asking your work what for an ADA accommodation form or claim and your doctor would fill out paperwork outlining what's needed.

    You have protections under the law.

  33. Anonymous

    OP! Do not disclose! You are not legally required to disclose! If you need accommodation once at your job, you are legally protecting in doing so.

  34. Annalise M

    I think this is only ever advisable to disclose if you plan to request accommodations in that setting. If not, the only possible outcome would be a negative one of potential discrimination against you. While illegal, it's also hard to prove.

    In terms of the medication question, I think the risk is much less if you are accessing with a prescription from a medical professional. Prior to a drug test, it would also be good to disclose what the results would be. It will be way more difficult if the results surprise them and there is no paper trail to prove legit use.

    However, I do think less workplaces are drug testing because of legitimate uses such as yours. Even for those places who still drug test, it would usually occur due to an incident or major question of being intoxicated while on the job and not routinely. This can vary by industry so I suggest learning more about the customs in your chosen setting, as depending on the nature of the job there might be a higher chance that you would get drug tested randomly or on a reoccurring schedule.

  35. Anonymous

    You do not need to disclose during the hiring process. In fact, you may disclose after being hired to request accommodations if so needed. This is all legal. Stop telling people to disclose unnecessarily. Discrimination is real for neurodivergents..

  36. Annalise M

    I hear what you're saying. For the record, I was not intending to say that you HAVE to disclose if you plan to request accommodations as some sort of legal requirement. I understand that I could have elaborated more, but I also did not write any statement that it would be illegal to not disclose so I do feel your interpretation of my post is a bit of "putting words in my mouth."

    The possible advantage, if you know it's going to be a conversation at some point, is that it could help the employee screen out workplaces that have a problem with the disclosure. But this is an individual decision for every person. In general, I agree strongly that it's probably almost always better to not disclose. I could see some doing it strategically, though.

  37. Anonymous

    Nah, it’s just not good advice

  38. Annalise M

    Ok I'm sorry I gave bad advice then. I actually agree that 9/10 it's probably going to be better to not disclose. I'm also neurodivergent myself and have wrestled with this kind of thing so I more than understand that "discrimination is real for neurodivergents" as I have been dealing with that for my whole life across many settings, and my thinking is also informed by my experiences, as I'm sure it is for yours, even if you don't agree with my take.

  39. maria rose

    If you are taking a prescribed medication that may be questioned if found in a drug test, you might have to disclose that information but you don’t have to explain the medical condition you are taking the medication for . Certain jobs that have one handling dangerous equipment will require full disclosure of medications taken because of safety risks. It will depend on the job description.. Usually the places that require drug testing will give you literature that explains what types of drugs they are testing for and remember that even eating poppy seeds might show up too..

  40. Shannon Rose

    This is not true at all. I operate heavy equipment and do not have to disclose my scripts. The only time this would be required is if I were to be injured on the job. Because, I operate heavy equipment, Osha and Comp would require a blood test for everything in my system. However, when it were to come back that the only cotrolled substance in my system was my adhd meds and the test shows my levels are what they are supposed to be according to dosage and frequency per my docs orders. I would be cleared of any and all alleged wrong doing as it pertains to drug and/or alcohol use. I am not required to disclose anything prior to that because the type of meds I take do not inhibit my ability to drive and/or operate machinery. It is not a narchotic, such as pain killers, muscle relaxers, or drugs like zanex, which do affect ones ability to drive and operate machinery. It is quite the opposite, if I did not take my meds, my ability to operate would be seriously affected.

  41. maria rose

    You just made a clearer explanation of when you would need to disclose taking a prescribed medication which has nothing to do with disclosing ADHD as a disability that needs adjustment factors in the job environment for you to perform the job. Most individuals who follow their medication dosages correctly will need the job to adapt the job to their "disability" and the only ones who will need to know why they are taking those medications is when they are tested as in an accident or at the selected drug test program. What is been misunderstood is what the drug test is looking for in any application for a new job versus disclosing a disability. Any prescribed medication is usually acceptable.

  42. Cindy Glover

    Both sides make good points in this post.

    If I understand the question correctly- isn’t it for reporting purposes to see if companies are in fact hiring those with disabilities? I could be in left field

    I think this topic deserves more exposure as well

  43. Anonymous

    It is for reporting. Some companies may have an AAP and have specific hiring goals within that AAP where they may want to hire someone with a disability (not saying right or wrong, and not saying that they are solely hiring someone because of a disability and not their qualifications but just what I've seen).

  44. Lady anon1182

    It is for both this and for being able to give their hires accommodations if they need it. Legally, if you are the best candidate for the job they can't discriminate against you on the basis of a disability but it can be hard to prove.

  45. Anonymous

    OP, you do not need to disclose, please do not disclose!

  46. Anonymous

    Both sides actually do not make good points. This is not the employer asking this it’s the employee asking for advice. Do not disclose unless you need to, this is legal, only disclose if or when accommodations are needed. People advising on drug testing are correct. Who cares about the companies reporting while neurodivergents are consistently discriminated against. How are stats helpful when they are not used to understand neurodivergent needs?

  47. Cindy Glover

    Point taken and I agree with you

  48. Anonymous

    Complicating matters, if Adderall is a narcotic, they may not approve of an employee being 'under the influence " at work, whether you have a prescription or not. I got around this by not taking my Klonopin a controlled substance, on work days. That being said, I wouldn't give them any information until you are safely hired.

  49. Anonymous

    Adderall isn’t a narcotic, it’s a stimulant. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, a sedative. It’s not a narcotic, either, for the record. Schedule II drugs aren’t all narcotics. Narcotics have a very specific definition which you are clearly not familiar with.

    These drugs couldn’t be more dissimilar. The effects of Adderall on a ADHD person aren’t even remotely the same as the effects of clonazepam on a person with anxiety. An ADHD person who needs medication to function can’t just skip it on work days, that’s when they need it the most.

    Please do not offer advice on issues that you have no knowledge or experience with. You obviously do not have ADHD or know anything about it, and advice like this can be actively harmful to neurodivergent people.

  50. Anonymous

    Thankful someone said this! Do not disclose. Also, you may disclose later if you need accommodation at this job. This is all legal.

  51. Shannon Rose

    Well said. Thank you.

  52. Anonymous

    Absolutely do not put that on an application. I have ADHD and would never think of disclosing it. The perception is that you will be scattered and disorganized. It is no one's business. I don't think drug testing would pick up Adderall as they are not looking for things like that.

  53. Anonymous

    Adderall often does show up and as others note they verify the Rx and report it as a pass.

    I would NEVER disclose in the application process though.

  54. Shannon Rose

    It does'nt pick it up. I have been on these type of meds for over 10 years. It is never an issue and I do not disclose any of it to companies or labs. The only thing I tell companies up front is tbat I have to see my Doc. every 3 months and I will let them know in advance of the appointment and supply a note for my absense that day. That is it, the details are none of their business.

  55. Anonymous

    You do not have to disclose any disability ever, unless you are comfortable doing so. If there is mandatory drug screening, then the company has bigger problems than managing someone with a true disability.

  56. Lady anon1182

    You don't have to disclose it. If they do a drug test and for whatever reason it screens positive, at that point you disclose you have an Rx. If for any reason something changes then you can choose to disclose that you have a disability if you are needing an accommodation.

  57. Anonymous

    Jesus.
    The fact we’re having this conversation is insane.

  58. Anonymous

    Amen to that. I don’t know which part is more upsetting to have to talk about, how we discriminate against neurodivergent people, or how bonkers it is to drug screen people as a contingency to hire them.

    We need to remove the stigma around neurodivergence and the medications people with ADHD take to function in a neurotypical world. We’re only disabled because we’re forced to fit into a mold that doesn’t align with how our brains work. And honestly in a lot of careers that difference in function is an ASSET.

  59. Cindy Glover

    Best response this far

  60. Anonymous

    In the US employers pretend they are inclusive and non discriminatory when it comes to hiring people with a variety of disabilities, but they aren't. And many times it's used against people during hiring and the job, despite what their disclosures say. Don't trust any screening HR person or your supervisor to be up with the latest mental health research on adhd. Most just see it as a liability. If they do drug tests they will disclose in the hiring stages usually but you don't need to say anything if you have a prescription unless you think adderal or vivance will set something off.

  61. Anonymous

    You don't have to put on your application you have a disability.

    For the drug test, bring your prescription with you, but the MRO will call you anyway to confirm the prescription.

  62. Anonymous

    No. I would not disclose this. At least, not initially. I have disclosed this to my current company, but it was after I was hired.

    Even if they drug test, the test will likely go through a third party who will independently verify your prescription. If this is the case, all the company gets is a pass/fail.... testing positive for a stimulant that you have a prescription for would still be considered a pass.

    I've done this twice now, once in house and once with a large third party lab company. The results were not reported to the company/HR either time.

  63. Anonymous

    Yes, yes, yes! And you don’t need to disclose unless you’re asking for accommodation.

  64. Anonymous

    If you have to have a drug test, they will verify your prescriptions. My brother has regular drug tests at work, and they do this every time.

  65. Anonymous

    OP, this is accurate, you do not need to disclose this is how drug testing goes with adhd meds.

  66. Anonymous

    Please do not disclose, you are not legally required to disclose. What others have said about drug testing is accurate. You can also legally ask for accommodation if you ever need it once at the new job.

  67. Michelle Nester

    I don't report it as a disability on the application. I've had to do drug screenings and they do come back positive for Adderall. But, when you provide your script and they clear it with the testing company, they don't report on what it came back positive for. It just shows that you're clear. I've never had a problem or been denied a job because of it. I was very forthcoming with my last employer about it and there was no negative impact. They understood and were flexible when I had to cut out to go to doctor's appointments for a refill. I think it's so common these days that it's really a non-issue. But, I understand the caution.

  68. Anonymous

    Unless you need special accommodations to do the job, there is no reason divulge it.

  69. Dawn Cross

    My understanding is ADHD is recognized as a disability

    Putting on your application you have a disability is up to you, but you do not have to disclose the disability..

  70. Shannon Rose

    It is only a disability if you have filed for disability and it is documented that you have been approved and are classified as having a disability. I take other meds for things that can be considered a disability but only if I file for it and it is approved would it become recognised as such.

  71. Anonymous

    You do not have to ‘file for a disability’ in the way I believe you are intending. To clarify for ADHD, this is the typical process. Disclose your disability, provide documentation if requested (it’s not always required and if it is, it’s from your healthcare provider), request specific accommodations, and most likely you’ll discuss/negotiate with your employer.

  72. Ashley Z

    I also have ADHD, and I do not put it on my resume. I do put it on the declarations that I have a disability, though, and don't ask for accommodations. Everyone is different. I will say that I am privileged that I currently have a good manager and team and have been open about it, so they all know. I have disclosed it in an interview with an HR person (who had no background in HR) and I believe that was a factor in not getting a job offer. You are "protected" in the US but you will still potentially face discrimination and that's more or less what I think you should consider.

  73. Shannon Rose

    I also take a medication for ADHD and I do not check off that I am disabled and/or have a disability because I am not on or collecting any type of disability. This box should only be checked if you were ever medically disabled and/or collecting disability at some point in time. If not, there is no need to check that box.

  74. Cindy Glover

    Good point

  75. Anonymous

    That is untrue

  76. Cynthia Armistead Newman

    Do not disclose a disability before you're hired, even if they claim it won't affect anything.

    As to whether they do drug tests, that depends entirely on the employer. I haven't done a drug test for a job in many, many years (I can't even remember how long it's been!). If you are tested, just tell the lab what medications you take so they can interpret the test results properly.

  77. Shelly High

    As long as you have a prescription for the medication, you will be fine. No need to disclose the situation at an interview

  78. Larissa Nguyen

    I disclose and get special accommodations during the interview process (extra time for case studies and such).

  79. Shannon Rose

    The drug screen only tests foe elicite substanses that are illegal and/or high concentrations of perscription type meds that would be a sign of possible abuse. You can always tell the lab if you are concerned. I never do unless they ask if I take perscription medication. You will be fine if you take your meds as directed. Mine never shows up anyway because they are only ever looking for ilegal substances. The only time a job will test for everything and anything in your system is if you get injured on the job because workers comp requires it if an employee gets injured while on the clock.

  80. Mary Ridgway

    If it doesn't affect your ability to work, do not announce it and give them a reason to eliminate you from the applicant pool. When giving a drug test, only tell the people doing the test about substances that may show up and that they are prescription meds.

  81. Allison Ryan

    In California its not a problem especially if you disclose to the testing center

  82. Anonymous

    I have same diagnosis. I do disclose in event I need to request accommodations which happened in my current job

  83. KathyAnn Krajcik

    I used to disclose my disability but don't anymore. Companies provide you with a profile you can update. Once you have the job, you can go in and change it. I wouldn't flag it during the interview process, especially if it's under control.

  84. Agustin J. Leal

    Hello!

    I have a history of applying to jobs since I was 6 years old. In my experience, when I have filled applications always there is a question about if I have a disability or if I need accommodations to perform my job.

    Because I do not have a history of disability or medical condition, I do not know what is next to write.

    what I have seen in those questions is that when you answer yes to have a disability, there is a space to fill out about your disability or accommodations that you need to perform your job.

    Currently, the government law helps people with disabilities. No employer discriminate against anybody with a disability or with a medical condition to perform a job.

    If you are capable to perform a job with your disability, do not hesitate and apply.

  85. Anonymous

    If you actually believe that "No employer discriminate (sic) against anybody with a disability or with a medical condition to perform a job" I have some beachfront property in Arizona to sell you.

  86. Anonymous

    Perhaps your comment had good intentions, but if you have no experience with your own disability or the facts around them, feel free to skip commenting on that and extend good will only. People come here looking knowledge and this is misleading.

  87. Anonymous

    Sorry could somebody explain to me why is ADHD considered a disability? I have people in my family who have adhd but I do not see it as a disability. What would be some of the symptoms of a ADHD person to call it a disability?

  88. Lisa McCartney

    I was filling out an application and that was listed as a disability. Dyslexia and others were also listed. I always Mark wish not to reply, if I find I need an accommodation then I ask for one.

  89. Anonymous

    It's a spectrum so some symptoms are much more detrimental to daily functioning than others depending on the individual. It's considered a disability because it's a brain wiring that deviates from the norm and is associated with behavioral "quirks" that also deviate from the norm (hyperfixations, manic energy when under pressure, vocal and body stimming, more extreme emotional highs and lows + disregulated outbursts, etc).

    For example, some people with adhd may have extreme sensitivity to light and noise and may need accommodations to get their best work done, need subtitles to understand due to audio processing, and more extreme executive disfunction (time blindness and execution paralysis where it feels like you're swimming against a current in your own mind despite desperately wanting to just get a task done). Some things don't make sense to more neuro typical people. Like why can't you just do a task? Start it and complete it? Not that hard right? It is if you have naturally lower levels of dopamine and a different wiring in your prefrontal cortex.

    Some can't hold down jobs or take care of themselves properly because of their adhd. Some can if they have milder, more managable symptoms.

  90. Lanie Vaughan

    I have adult ADHD and I’ve never disclosed it. It’s not a disability, it’s a diagnosis, like bad eyesight or anxiety. It’s none of their business, it’s covered under HIPAA. I would not list it at all.

  91. Anonymous

    ADHD can be considered a disability under the ADA. The ADA defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Agree, you do not need to disclose, unless you seek accommodation.

  92. Julia Parks

    Personally, I would not disclose a disability or diagnosis unless I need an accommodation. It’s none of my employer’s business otherwise. Also you don’t have to disclose medications to your company. All drug screening results go through a Medical Review Officer prior to being released to your employer. If anything shows up on your results they’ll reach out to you. You disclose the prescription to them, they verify the prescription with the pharmacy and that’s it. They mark the results as negative and that is why will be released to the employer.

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