Mental Health

Bipolar Disorder: Duty Status and Work Restrictions

Bipolar I:

An individual with a confirmed diagnosis of bipolar I disorder is unable to perform LEO essential job functions.

Other Bipolar Disorders (including bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder and unspecified bipolar disorder):

LEOs with these diagnoses may be able to perform as a LEO, but following the first episode of any other bipolar disorder must meet all of the following criteria for return to work without restrictions:

• no lifetime history of any manic episode
• absence of impairing symptoms in the past 2 months
• if requested by the police physician, an evaluation by a doctoral-level mental health provider acceptable to the police physician, who understands the functions and demands of police work
• full remission as defined by DSM-5 (“During the past 2 months, no significant signs or symptoms of the disturbance were present”)3
• adherence to treatment and ongoing evaluations
• no disqualifying adverse effects from treatments such as medication, electroconvulsive therapy, etc. (see LEO Medications chapter)
• unimpaired judgment and attention
• appropriate inter-personal interaction
• treatment of comorbidities (including substance abuse and sleep disorders)

LEOs with psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation or attempt, rapid cycling, substance abuse, or personality disorders will require additional evaluation. It is the consensus of the LEO Task Group that follow-up evaluations* should be undertaken as follows:

• regular evaluations over a period of at least 6 months
• regular evaluations on a monthly basis or more frequently when the anti-depressant is tapered
• regular evaluations on a monthly basis or more frequently after discontinuing anti-depressant, for at least 3 months, and at 6 and 12 months after discontinuing anti-depressant

*Evaluations by a health care provider knowledgeable about mental health disorders and management acceptable to the police physician.

Recurrence of Bipolar Symptoms:

With recurrence of any bipolar symptoms, criteria for return to work without restrictions are the same as above. Careful consideration must be given to whether the LEO requires work restrictions if medication is discontinued or changed. The police physician may also require ongoing follow-up to monitor for recurrence.

Anxiety Disorders: Duty Status and Work Restrictions

LEOs with these diagnoses may be able to perform as an officer, but must meet all of the following criteria for return to work without restrictions:

• absence of impairing symptoms in the past 2 months
• if requested by the police physician, an evaluation by a doctoral-level mental health provider acceptable to the police physician, who understands the functions and demands of police work
• no symptomatic phobia specifically related to workplace activities or stimuli
• adherence to treatment and ongoing evaluations
• no disqualifying adverse effects from treatments such as medication, electroconvulsive therapy, etc. (see LEO Medications chapter)
• unimpaired judgment and attention
• appropriate interpersonal interaction
• treatment of comorbidities (including substance abuse and sleep disorders)

Follow-up evaluations: regular evaluations for at least 6 months.