Medical Conditions Affecting Polygraph.

[stefano]

Bill, Pailryder, Quickfix et al,

I have been asked via PM if there are any medical conditions or drugs that would preclude someone from taking a polygraph. In other words, could someone avoid a polygraph requirement based up on these issues?

I don't have any experience or knowledge in this area. Could I solicit your input on behalf of my anonymous inquiry?

[quickfix]

Stefano:  certain medical conditions and/or medications may preclude someone from being tested.  Any reputable polygraph program will require the potential examinee to provide a medical clearance signed by the individual's physician which states that the individual is being treated for (whatever the condition is), and in the doctor's opinion, the person is/is not suitable for testing.  Most examiners will also ask what prescription medications the person is taking;  if it is medicine for something like depression/PTSD/anxiety/etc, the examiner may insist that the person provide a doctor's note stating the person can be tested.  Examples of medical conditions which might prevent a poly include recent heart surgery, recent heart attack/stroke.  Examples of medications would include stuff like Prozac/Zanax, but minor stuff like Lipitor, Metformin, Avandia, for things like diabetes, high cholesterol, etc, would not prevent a poly.

Hope this helps.  I speak from the federal side, so I don't know what private sector or local law enforcement examiners require.

[Pepé Le Pew]

I recently took a poly and at the time was taking medication for irritable bowel syndrome, chronic diarrhea, and bloating, dyspepsia, and excessive gas.  I told them this in the beginning and the polygrapher grinned and licked his chops like he got a big thrill out of this.  During the session, the polygrapher had me so shook up and nervous during the poly that I ended up shitting all over myself and the polygraph chair and equipment.  Then he and his supervisor, who later entered the room, had the nerve of accusing me of doing this on purpose as a countermeasure because I had something to hide!  Needless to say, after a couple trips to the bathroom and a janitorial clean up in the poly room, I was escorted off the premises.  A few weeks later I got the thin rejection letter saying that I did not get in.  I was found not suitable for that agency.

[stefano]

Pepe,
That is indeed a creative countermeasure and I assume how you got your name.

Quickfix, well articulated, thanks. This is related to PCSOT. I am sure the medical angle has been tried in order to seek relief from this requirement. But, I don't think it would fly. Does anyone have any anectodotals on this?

[falsepositive]

I was tested on very little sleep. I'm almost positive my BP was elevated due to fatigue/work. I dont think a polygraph shaman cares. If you have a pulse you'll do i suppose.

[A-Fib]

I have atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure. My erratic heart beat from the A-Fib makes it difficult for even my doctor to get an accurate pulse rate or blood pressure reading. Anybody have any experience with this type of situation and its effect on polygraph readings?

[PanicAttack]

My polygraph is up for renewal but I had several operations on my digestive track that half of it's now missing and everything is rearranged. I'm having problems with trying to get reasonable accommodations due to all my surgeries and a recent one on my butt as well. Currently I just started anti-anxiety meds. This situation was the one that broke the camels back so to speak. I was told they couldn't guarantee if the equipment can be located above my waist. I have an ostomy and the tension strap could cause me serious damage. Also my mannerism has changed due to my disability. Does the polygrapher take body language into consideration? Why can't the straps be located above the waistline?

[quickfix]

PanicAttack:  what exactly do you mean by "straps" and "above the waistline?  If you are referring to the pneumograph tubes, they are attached to your chest (one upper, and one below, closer to the abdomen). The tension of the tubes are very slight, causing no pain.  Not sure why you would think these components would be attached below the waistline.

[PanicAttack]

I"ve been through a poly before but did not have this health issue. I have also viewed photos on the internet. There are tension straps. This can interfere/cause damage to with my surgical site. I got confirmation from the polygraph office they they will not use the lower strap.

I still have an issue with the seat cushion as my last operation was the removal of my anus and sphincter muscles.  I also had my butt checks sewn together so my anatomy is quite different down there! It take a long time for the nerve endings to heal and the development of scar tissue causing a pulling sensation as I sit. It has only been 8 months since my operation. I originally got called in only 2 months after my operation. My doctor was only able to defer the poly until now. I hope the polygrapher can get an ok reading. I don't want to have to come back in after all this!

Also what about body language? They say your digestive system is your second brain...I basically had a lobotomy as my entire colon was removed and my small intestine was reconfigured. My digestive system is now normally noisy because of it.

[Dan Mangan]

If what you say is true, it seems your suitability for a polygraph exam is highly questionable at best.

Fortunately, there are safeguards.

The American Polygraph Associations has a model policy for examinee suitability, available here: http://www.polygraph.org/files/5_pg_-_model_policy_for_the_evaluation_of_examinee_suitability_for_polygraph_testing.pdf

I suggest that you download this document and print a hard copy. Bring the hard copy with you to your upcoming polygraph exam.

Prior to the examination, insist that the polygrapher review the document -- while paying close attention to section 6.1 --and have him (or her) sign off on your suitability or lack thereof.

Retain the signed document for your own records.

For added protection, I suggest that you video record the entire examination using your own video camera.

If the polygrapher refuses to go along, walk.

[Ex Member]

...I basically had a lobotomy 

lo·bot·o·my noun

medical : an operation in which part of the brain is cut in order to treat some mental disorders.

[Ex Member]

Okay, I see what you mean. You believe that your digestive system could so affect your mood to the extent that it would make you a bad subject for a polygraph exam. I feel for you, maybe it's time to just retire and go the Thailand.

[Kenny]

Hi all

Anyone have experience going for a polygraph at Ministry Of Manpower

Kenny

[Barbara]

My son just failed a polygraph ordered by probation.  He is diabetic, has gastroporesis, chronic diarrhea, chronic back pain depression and anxiety. IQ is 83.  He was sure he would pass the test because he was being honest.  Well they said he failed every question.  Is there any evidence that his health issues could effect the results?  He is not currently on meds but does have a medical marijuana card but did not smoke prior to the test.

[Ex Member]

Barbara,
It is unlikely that your son's polygraph woes are a result of his medical conditions. These kinds of exams are fishing expeditions lacking any specific incident. The reasons he could be reacting to these questions are manifold. Most likely, this will result in heightened scrutiny by the probation department. However, if you sense that he may be in legal jeopardy because of these polygraph results, you should contact his attorney for advice.