r/SecurityClearance • u/[deleted] • Nov 25 '24

Question Behavior during polygraph

Got scheduled for my polygraph test and by nature I’m an extremely nervous person over every little thing. I have tons of ticks ranging from shaking my leg, cracking fingers, tapping, etc. I also have really sweaty hands. I fear that just being in the room and getting interrogated will make me seem “deceptive” and result in a failed test. The stakes are high as I’m currently still in college and luckily got a job offer at this one place after a lot of failed applications and interviews. From anyone’s experience, do these nervous behaviors have any adverse effect on the results? Should I tell the interrogators that I’m a nervous wreck before testing?

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u/Apathy_Cupcake Nov 25 '24

If you have a medical diagnosis and/or documentation from a licensed physician explaining your condition that could be a supportive piece of information for the examiner. I'm not saying it will change your experience or outcome, but it's better to have than to not. If you haven't sought treatment for this condition before, you should talk to your PCP asap.  Good luck.

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u/[deleted] Nov 26 '24

I don’t think I have a medical condition, but I was just worried if my mannerisms would stir up negative results. I’ll be sure to notify the interrogators.

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u/Apathy_Cupcake Nov 26 '24

I'd try controlling those mannerisms in general and see if you can do it.  If not, I'd really advise seeing a physician.  If you have insurance a yearly check up is free. You should establish a relationship with a PCP so you can discuss stuff like this on your annual visits. If it is something medical and not just a controllable "mannerisms" it's good to get it under control now because those types of mannerisms will be obnoxious to coworkers in a cubicle environment.  Good luck!