NOTES

Regular treatment with anti-depressants does not necessarily contraindicate donation. Consider the diagnosis (e.g. unipolar depression, bipolar depressive illness, history of psychosis), medication (e.g. effectiveness thereof, side-effects thereof – particularly of a cardiovascular nature), and need for regular active follow-up. Self-harm is not a reason for deferral if a donor is otherwise eligible. Persons requiring anti-psychotic medication for the treatment of psychosis must be permanently excluded

ACCEPT:

• If fit and well on the day of donation provided that the donor is well established on this medication (i.e. a minimum of 4 weeks), and has had no side effects of a cardiovascular nature
• If the dose of medication is altered defer for at least a further 4 weeks. Persons treated with anti-psychotic medication for depression can be accepted for donation. Clinical judgement will be required in individual cases

PERMANENTLY EXCLUDE:

• If donor has been prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
• If donor has a history of bipolar depressive illness even if not currently on medication

SEE IF RELEVANT

• LITHIUM
• PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
• SCHIZOPHRENIA