Mental health and mental diseases

The majority of patients suffering from mental illnesses or problems can donate blood. However, a prerequisite for donation is that the donor feels well, there has been no need for hospital treatment in the past six months, any possible medication has been in use for at least a month and the donor doesn’t have any medication, that could cause adverse effects to the recipient of the blood or the donor himself.

Common antidepressants do not prevent blood donation. Some of them may prevent platelet donation. Sleep medication does not prevent blood donation. Some medication used for the treatment of psychosis and bipolar disorder prevents blood donation.

It is worth checking the effect of medication on blood donation beforehand by calling our free donor helpline on 0800 0 5801 (Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).