SSRI's

[gromm44]

Just found out from the Doc that if you are on SSRI's for more than a year, the FAA won't consider you until you are off them for 6 months. (I thought it was 90 days) Has anybody been through it? Is it likely they are going to ask for the tests that everybody talks about that cost 5 thousand dollars?

[My Flight Surgeon]

SSRI's are antidepressants. There are also other drugs that are psychoactive but are not antidepressants and these will almost always require a psychiatric evaluation. Regarding depression, they say if the depression is stable, resolved, no associated disturbance of thought, no recurrent episodes and psychotropic medication(s) used for less than 6 months and discontinued for at least 3 months or there is no use of psychotropic medication(s) then the AME can issue a medical certificate. Otherwise, the decision will require an FAA decision and the will want to review ALL medical records related to the reason for the medication being prescribed.

[JaceTheAce]

Originally Posted by gromm44

Is it likely they are going to ask for the tests that everybody talks about that cost 5 thousand dollars?

Yes. One of my friends had to do this. It cost him over 3 grand and wasn't covered by his medical insurance.

[gromm44]

Thats what Ive been hearing, it's a lot of money. The thing is though, if I pay all that money and get it done and they give me medical, do I have to do it all over again the next time I go for another medical?

[My Flight Surgeon]

Not the full evaluation. They will probably want a statement with each physical from your Dr that you are not having problems.

[gromm44]

Ok that makes me feel a lot better. Thanks Doc.

[aloft]

Just crazy. Seems the FAA would rather have people flying with untreated depression...

[My Flight Surgeon]

No, they don't want people with significant depression to fly at all.

[aloft]

True, yet such people are flying passenger airliners every day, untreated.

[beckyanne19]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

, no recurrent episodes and psychotropic medication(s) used for less than 6 months and discontinued for at least 3 months or there is no use of psychotropic medication(s) then the AME can issue a medical certificate. Otherwise, the decision will require an FAA decision and the will want to review ALL medical records related to the reason for the medication being prescribed.

Dr. Forred, I was on anti-depressants for depression for 2 years (2001-2003) (divorce and nasty custody battle) and then again, 3 months (another bad breakup) early in 2007. I understand that I will need the psych eval if I apply now. I can't find a psychologist willing to give the exam (most say it's not ethical to charge me & insurance won't cover) and the cost is steep. Is it possible if I wait a period of years (and don't date anyone!) that I won't need the psych eval? Or does the initial, 2 year use mean that I'll have to have the psych eval no matter how long ago? I'm strongly considering giving up on the PPL to do light sport (never applied to FAA) so I can at least fly.

Thanks!

[TXaviator]

Originally Posted by aloft

True, yet such people are flying passenger airliners every day, untreated.

precisely. unfortunate that the FAA takes such a dim (and in my limited opinion, very PRIMITIVE) view of mental illness.

i was on SSRI's at one point in my life and had to disclose this and my doc simply made a statement that i am no longer experiencing symptoms of illness, etc etc.

my best wishes to anyone dealing with this situation because i have been through it and find it to be incredibly frustrating and downright insulting that the FAA holds the position that they do.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by beckyanne19

Dr. Forred, I was on anti-depressants for depression for 2 years (2001-2003) (divorce and nasty custody battle) and then again, 3 months (another bad breakup) early in 2007. I understand that I will need the psych eval if I apply now. I can't find a psychologist willing to give the exam (most say it's not ethical to charge me & insurance won't cover) and the cost is steep. Is it possible if I wait a period of years (and don't date anyone!) that I won't need the psych eval? Or does the initial, 2 year use mean that I'll have to have the psych eval no matter how long ago? I'm strongly considering giving up on the PPL to do light sport (never applied to FAA) so I can at least fly.

Thanks!

You just need to provide copies of the medical records so they can make a decision. You will also need a letter from your current physician stating that you are not currently depressed.

[killbilly]

I had a brief stint with anti-depressants and cognitive talk therapy following my divorce. I reported this to the AME when I applied for my medical. He explained that part of the issues with some medications is that they behave differently at altitude than they do on the ground.

All I had to do was get copies of the treatment records faxed to my AME, as well as a letter from the treating physician who indicated that I was stable, no recurrences and that I had been "treated to remission."

Only thing it cost me was a second office visit to the AME once that had been completed, and my medical was issued.

My AME did tell me that that was the end of it - never had to worry about it again. Only caveat was that if I ever did return to counseling or require medication, I'd be required to ground myself and report it.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by killbilly

I had a brief stint with anti-depressants and cognitive talk therapy following my divorce. I reported this to the AME when I applied for my medical. He explained that part of the issues with some medications is that they behave differently at altitude than they do on the ground.

All I had to do was get copies of the treatment records faxed to my AME, as well as a letter from the treating physician who indicated that I was stable, no recurrences and that I had been "treated to remission."

Only thing it cost me was a second office visit to the AME once that had been completed, and my medical was issued.

My AME did tell me that that was the end of it - never had to worry about it again. Only caveat was that if I ever did return to counseling or require medication, I'd be required to ground myself and report it.

You are correct.

[skydriverdc6]

wonder how many people are taking these meds that dont report it at all? or pilots who are suffering from depression and just drink a lot?

[My Flight Surgeon]

Quite a few. The Federal Air Surgeon said this weekend they are finalizing plans to allow SSRI's as Special Issuance drugs with some pretty tight criteria, probably in the fall.

[matt152]

Originally Posted by skydriverdc6

wonder how many people are taking these meds that dont report it at all? or pilots who are suffering from depression and just drink a lot?

My guess is that there are more than a few pilots out there who abuse alcohol. But they have never been diagnosed as abusers or dependent, so the box does not get checked on the medical app.

[snappy033]

Hows it work with the reporting? I mean if you have a heart condition you dont have to report it until your next medical right? So can you start taking these meds while you have a valid medical but have to sort things out once it expires and you need a new examination? or do you have to stop flying on your own accord immediately

[matt152]

You have to ground yourself if you don't meet the requirements of your medical certificate.

[My Flight Surgeon]

§ 61.53 Prohibition on operations during medical deficiency.
(a) Operations that require a medical certificate. Except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, a person who holds a current medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter shall not act as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while that person:
(1) Knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation; or
(2) Is taking medication or receiving other treatment for a medical condition that results in the person being unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation.
(b) Operations that do not require a medical certificate. For operations provided for in §61.23(b) of this part, a person shall not act as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while that person knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner.
(c) Operations requiring a medical certificate or a U.S. driver's license. For operations provided for in §61.23(c), a person must meet the provisions of—
(1) Paragraph (a) of this section if that person holds a valid medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter and does not hold a current and valid U.S. driver's license.
(2) Paragraph (b) of this section if that person holds a current and valid U.S. driver's license.