A history of anxiety can disqualify you from military service, but it is not an automatic or permanent bar. The eligibility determination depends on the severity, history, and current status of the condition, as evaluated against strict Department of Defense medical standards.

Key Factors in the Disqualification Assessment:

Official Diagnosis: A confirmed diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder) from a healthcare professional is typically disqualifying.
Treatment History: Disqualification is more likely if you have a history of outpatient care for longer than 6 months, required inpatient treatment, or were prescribed medication for anxiety.
Recency and Severity: The condition is especially scrutinizing if it occurred after your 13th birthday, involved work or school impairment, or included suicidal ideation or self-harm.
The Need for a Waiver: If you are disqualified for an anxiety history, you may still serve if you are granted a medical waiver. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on the specific branch’s needs, the full details of your case, and evidence of sustained stability without medication or treatment.

Crucial Advice: Always be completely honest during the MEPS medical screening. Concealing a diagnosis is fraudulent enlistment, a federal offense that can result in a dishonorable discharge.

For context on the process where this medical screening occurs, you can read about Can you go to MEPS twice?.

For the official, detailed medical standards from the Department of Defense, refer to DOD Instruction 6130.03, Volume 1, Section 6.28 on “Anxiety and Related Disorders.”