Summary
A 26-year-old project coordinator's application for a public trust position was denied due to concerns under Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The applicant's history included mental health treatment from June 1999 to March 2001 while incarcerated for arson. From March 2001 to August 2001, she received further treatment and was diagnosed with dysthymic disorder and pyromania, receiving a "guarded" prognosis.
In May 2009, she was diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder with narcissistic personality features and recommended to return to therapy. However, as of December 2009, the applicant was not undergoing any mental health therapy or treatment and was not taking any medications.
The denial was based on the applicant's history of serious psychological issues, including pyromania and histrionic personality disorder, which raised doubts about her judgment and reliability. The judge found that she did not demonstrate ongoing compliance with a treatment plan, as she was not currently receiving mental health treatment or medication. Additionally, qualified mental health professionals expressed doubts about her psychological stability and ability to hold a position of trust.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a history of serious psychological issues, including pyromania and histrionic personality disorder, which raised concerns about her judgment and reliability.
- The applicant did not demonstrate ongoing compliance with a treatment plan, as she was not currently receiving any mental health treatment or medication.
- The opinions of qualified mental health professionals indicated doubts about the applicant's psychological stability and ability to hold a position of trust.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual's Judgment, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(b)appliedAn Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That the Individual Has a Condition That May Impair Judgment, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(c)appliedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice Related to a Diagnosed Emotional, Mental, or Personality Condition
- AG ¶ 29(a)rejectedThe Identified Condition Is Readily Controllable with Treatment, and the Individual Has Demonstrated Ongoing and Consistent Compliance with the Treatment PlanThe applicant was not receiving ongoing treatment.
- AG ¶ 29(b)rejectedThe Individual Has Voluntarily Entered a Counseling or Treatment Program for a Condition That Is Amenable to TreatmentThe applicant's initial counseling was involuntary, and she has not sought further treatment.
- AG ¶ 29(c)rejectedA Recent Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional Indicates the Individual's Previous Condition Is Under Control or in RemissionThe qualified mental health professional expressed doubt about the applicant's psychological condition being under control.
- AG ¶ 29(d)rejectedPast Emotional Instability Was a Temporary Condition That Has Been ResolvedThe applicant's psychological issues were not temporary and were significant.
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedSep 29, 2010
- Answer filedOct 7, 2010
- Hearing heldDec 16, 2010
- Decision dateFeb 25, 2011
Cite for
- Trustworthiness Concerns Under Guideline I Due to Psychological Conditions
- Impact of Past Criminal Behavior on Current Reliability Assessments
- The Necessity of Ongoing Treatment for Psychological Conditions in Security Clearance Evaluations