From the Guidelines
Joining the military after an inpatient eating disorder admission is possible but challenging, and candidates should be fully recovered and stable for at least 12-24 months before being considered eligible for military service. According to the American Psychiatric Association practice guideline for the treatment of patients with eating disorders 1, a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates medical, psychiatric, psychological, and nutritional expertise is essential for patients with eating disorders. The military has specific requirements for candidates with a history of eating disorders, including no ongoing treatment needs and maintaining a healthy weight without medical intervention for a significant period 1.
Key Considerations
- Candidates will need to disclose their medical history during the application process, and a military medical examiner will review their case 1.
- Documentation showing recovery progress, including letters from treatment providers confirming stability, will be helpful.
- The military has these requirements because service members face high-stress situations, irregular eating schedules, and physical demands that could potentially trigger a relapse.
- Limited access to specialized mental health care in certain military settings makes it essential that recruits are fully recovered before joining.
Recommendations
- Candidates should be fully recovered and stable for at least 12-24 months before being considered eligible for military service.
- A comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates medical, psychiatric, psychological, and nutritional expertise is essential for patients with eating disorders 1.
- Candidates should maintain a healthy weight without medical intervention for a significant period and have no ongoing treatment needs 1.
Medical Waiver
If the application is initially denied, candidates may be able to request a medical waiver, though approval depends on the severity of the past condition, length of recovery, and current health status 1. The American Psychiatric Association practice guideline for the treatment of patients with eating disorders 1 provides recommendations for the treatment of patients with eating disorders, including individualized goals for weekly weight gain and target weight for patients with anorexia nervosa.
From the Research
Joining the Military after Inpatient Eating Disorder Admission
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies focus on the treatment of eating disorders using dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), rather than the topic of joining the military after inpatient eating disorder admission.
- The studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 discuss the effectiveness of DBT and CBT in treating eating disorders, but do not address the issue of military service.
- None of the studies provide information on the feasibility or outcomes of individuals with eating disorders joining the military after inpatient admission.
- Further research would be needed to investigate this specific topic and provide evidence-based answers.