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splitimage said:
I've done both.

At my last company, I was very open about with my boss and co-workers about my depression and needing to take time off for pdoc appointments. I never ran into any problems with it, and in fact my boss was very supportive.

At my current company, I take Mon. afternoons off, and make up the hours the rest of the week, and I told them it was for outpatient therapy at a hospital. But I have not specified what the therapy is for. Not real enthusiastic about disclosing my addiction history. I figure I'll eventually tell them about my depression history as I have to take time off once a month to see my pdoc, so they'll wonder about regular medical appointments.

I think a lot of benefit can come from being honest, particularly if you are willing to make up the time missed for appointments, because that way the company and your boss can understand what's going on with you.

If however you have any fear, remember that legally they can't ask you, and you can just keep repeating the personal medical issue mantra. Get a note from your pdoc if you have to, as generic as possible saying that you're under their treatment and are undergoing some medication adjustments which requires frequent appointments.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

--splitimage

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How is it dishonest to keep your medical information private?

The legal term for all medical history (and psychiatric/psychological health info. is medical) is called PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION, or PHI.

Legally, you don't need a "note" like a little kid from school, but if one does feel they should to smooth over their boss, make sure it has nothing identifying you as seeing a psychiatrist,psychologist, or mental health professional.

Likewise, make sure that whoever writes your note doesn't put down anything akin to a diagnosis of any kind. That information is legally protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act.