A friend of mine...

[Samurai Blur]

I have a friend who started talking to me about going to get his CHL once he is old enough (another 2 years or so), the problem is, I'm not even sure if he is eligible to BUY a gun, let alone carry one. He's been taking anti-depressants since he was about 16 (almost 3 years). I told him that I would find out for him if that would disqualify him. Can anyone swing some help my way?
Thanks.

[KC5AV]

Simply being on medication shouldn't disqualify your friend.

[nitrogen]

Anti depressants do not disqualify you.

[seamusTX]

Correct, simply being depressed or taking anti-depressants for any reason is not a disqualification from purchasing a firearm under federal law or getting a Texas CHL.

The big-time disqualification from buying a firearm is being adjudicated mentally ill. That means that a judge finds the person to be a danger to himself or others due to mental illness. That is pretty rare.

Under Texas law, you cannot get a CHL if you have been diagnosed as mentally ill or incompetent, or pleaded not guilty to a criminal charge by reason of insanity.

The law (GC §411.173) contains a list of mental diagnoses that are presumed to be disqualifications. Here's the relevant text:

(1) involuntary psychiatric hospitalization in the preceding five-year period;
(2) psychiatric hospitalization in the preceding two-year period;
(3) inpatient or residential substance abuse treatment in the preceding five-year period;
(4) diagnosis in the preceding five-year period by a licensed physician that the person is dependent on alcohol, a controlled substance, or a similar substance; or
(5) diagnosis at any time by a licensed physician that the person suffers or has suffered from ...:
(A) schizophrenia or delusional disorder;
(B) bipolar disorder;
(C) chronic dementia, whether caused by illness, brain defect, or brain injury;
(D) dissociative identity disorder;
(E) intermittent explosive disorder; or
(F) antisocial personality disorder.

These are all serious disorders.

- Jim

[Samurai Blur]

Great to know. Thanks so much all, for the help!