Will Being Diagnosed with Anxiety Prevent Me from Getting a Security Clearance

[RickZ]

My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: New Jersey

If I was diagnosed with anxiety, will I be prevented from getting a security clearance? I was diagnosed a few days ago, and I will be applying for a top secret security clearance in December. I plan on going to counseling until May.

Thanks

[Mr. Knowitall]

Maybe. We known nothing about your employer or its policies, the background check, or what might turn up in a deep background check relating to your anxiety and any associated behaviors.

[Beth3]

Does the security clearance require you to sign a release for medical information? If not, then I don't see any way how this information would be uncovered - medical information is highly protected. If you are required to sign a release for medical information as part of a top security clearance, then nobody but the employer can tell you if your condition is an issue. How anxiety effects someone can take an almost infinite variety of shapes and forms (ever watch Hoarders?); for many, it causes no behavioral or cognitive problems and can be successfully treated with routine medication.

[bcr229]

For both my initial SSBI TS clearance and my periodic reinvestigation I did not have to disclose any medical-related information.

I have not had to take a lifestyle polygraph yet so I don't know if that question gets asked.

[Beth3]

You're going to have to wait and see how your security clearance check progresses and what information they want to review. Good luck.