Pulled from another thread...

[RickRoss747]

Hey, I saw this thread, and I am a bit worried. I am in high school, and I have a 3.6 GPA in all honor classes at a very rigorous private school. Although, when I was in elementary school, I was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD. So it doesen't affect me "at all." I know nothing about background checks/medical records.

I've never been in trouble with the law, but I do have these two disorders on "one of my psychologist's documents." Anyway, do they see it, and/or care about it? Do they know all the doctors you've seen in the past, or do you have to tell them? I don't want them to know I have ADHD, will they find out anyway? The doctor told me it would be strictly confidential only to me. I know "nothing about medical records." Can you guys explain this to me?

I just need to know before I major in something that has to do with the FAA.

[SteveC]

<Moved from another thread to here.>

[My Flight Surgeon]

First, the medical applications if you have EVER had any illnesses or diseases. Failure to report or falsification of the application is a Federal offense punishable by $250,000 and/or 5 years on Federal prision. In addition, the FAA's current stance is to revolk not only the medical cetificate but also all airman certificates held for falsifying the records. You DO NOT want a Federal offense on your record!!

Second, if you in fact have no problems, copies of your medical record should be submitted to the FAA for review and consideration for a Special Issuance medical certificate.

[OldTownPilot]

How bout this.

I show all the signs of ADD....but was never formally diagnosed with it, however did 'some' testing.

I should be writing 2 lab reports that are due tomorrow, but am in my "airplane dream world".

I can cope with it without medications, and have never taken meds for it.

I did not report it, because well I "don't" have it.

Nothing to worry about?

[RickRoss747]

Alright, well my main goal is to be flying Boeing 747s in 15 years, like everyone else's dream on this board.

I have taken medication for my ADHD/OCD for three month when I was 12, and I quit taking it, for I did better without it. "But it should still show up on my medical record." I haven't taken one pill in four years, and I haven't shown any sign of a disorder. So should I still be able to aquire a first class medical without any problems, or should I start looking elsewhere?

Do you have to sign for someone to see ADD/ADHD records, etc?

thanks guys

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by RickRoss747

Alright, well my main goal is to be flying Boeing 747s in 15 years, like everyone else's dream on this board.

I have taken medication for my ADHD/OCD for three month when I was 12, and I quit taking it, for I did better without it. "But it should still show up on my medical record." I haven't taken one pill in four years, and I haven't shown any sign of a disorder. So should I still be able to aquire a first class medical without any problems, or should I start looking elsewhere?

Do you have to sign for someone to see ADD/ADHD records, etc?

thanks guys

You still have to report it. Chances are excellent they will give you a first class medical. Again, falsification of records is a BIG DEAL with the FAA!!! I have been throught Leavenworth, Kansas - not a very pretty place to spend time.

Yes, you need to sign for them to see your records. The FAA does not request records, they require you to obtain them and send them copies.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by OldTownPilot

How bout this.

I show all the signs of ADD....but was never formally diagnosed with it, however did 'some' testing.

I should be writing 2 lab reports that are due tomorrow, but am in my "airplane dream world".

I can cope with it without medications, and have never taken meds for it.

I did not report it, because well I "don't" have it.

Nothing to worry about?

You were never diagnosed (except maybe by Doug) so it is not reportable.

[My Flight Surgeon]

COMMENT
I frequently see young men who want to fly and have this same issue. Thee FAA usualy grants them a medical with copies of good records.

My Social Comment:
IMO the issue here is overdiagnosis of ADD. Teachers don't want boys to be boys. They want all the studnets to sit in the classroom like bumps on a log. When they are a little "hyper" like all boys are, they tell the parents the kis has ADD and needs medications. Then the doc gives them the medication to appease the parents complaining and keep them happy and coming back. Now the kid suffers when he wants to become a pilot.

[MidlifeFlyer]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

COMMENT
I frequently see young men who want to fly and have this same issue. Thee FAA usualy grants them a medical with copies of good records.

My Social Comment:
IMO the issue here is overdiagnosis of ADD. Teachers don't want boys to be boys. They want all the studnets to sit in the classroom like bumps on a log. When they are a little "hyper" like all boys are, they tell the parents the kis has ADD and needs medications. Then the doc gives them the medication to appease the parents complaining and keep them happy and coming back. Now the kid suffers when he wants to become a pilot.

So, what do you do? The pilot has been misdiagnosed with ADD because it's the "in" diagnosis. He provides medical records and opinions of other doctors that the diagnosis was wrong. OK City decides to play it same and go with the doc who did the ADD diagnosis and denies the medical.

And then...?

[My Flight Surgeon]

I have had many of these where the FAA sees through the haze and sends the pilot a letter stating he is qualified to hold a medical certificate, i.e., that is the end of it, no more hassle. It depends on what the medical records say. As an add on option, there is the opportunity for a current medical evaluation of possible ADD - if the evaluation reveals no ADD, the FAA issues the medical without a SI.

Just keep the concept of my comments in mind when the teacher calls you about your kid.

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

I have had many of these where the FAA sees through the haze and sends the pilot a letter stating he is qualified to hold a medical certificate, i.e., that is the end of it, no more hassle. It depends on what the medical records say. As an add on option, there is the opportunity for a current medical evaluation of possible ADD - if the evaluation reveals no ADD, the FAA issues the medical without a SI.

Just keep the concept of my comments in mind when the teacher calls you about your kid.

Doc,

Do you see a similar thing with massive prescriptions of anti-depressants? Seems like they were getting handed out like candy for a while. Don't know if that's still the case.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Similar problem. The deal with anti-depressants is that you can take them for <<6 months and once you are off them for >>90 days can be OK with the FAA. This of course depends on the clinical circumstances as to why you were on them.

[Milesar]

What constitutes a health professional? And I understand any visit of any type must be reported. Such as someone going to get their teeth cleaned at the Dentist, or visiting with your optometrist at a holiday party? Someone who claims to be an herbologist? A diet health professional?

Many students go for medicals unaware that this type of reporting is necessary, finding them self sitting in a room with a clipboard it may be tough to get all the visits listed. Whats the procedure when someone leaves off items such as a flu-shot or routine exam, then remembers later on? Do you include this on your next medical?

[My Flight Surgeon]

From the FAA:

The applicant should list all visits in the last 3 years to a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, psychologist, clinical social worker, or substance abuse specialist for treatment, examination, or medical/mental evaluation. The applicant should list visits for counseling only if related to a personal substance abuse or psychiatric condition. The applicant should give the name, date, address, and type of health professional consulted and briefly state the reason for the consultation. Multiple visits to one health professional for the same condition may be aggregated on one line. If an explanation has been given on a previous report(s) and there has been no change in the condition, the applicant may enter PREVIOUSLY REPORTED, NO CHANGE. Of particular importance is the reporting of conditions that have developed since the applicant's last FAA medical examination.

Routine dental, eye, and FAA periodic medical examinations and consultations with an employer-sponsored employee assistance program (EAP) may be excluded unless the consultations were for the applicant's substance abuse or unless the consultations resulted in referral for psychiatric evaluation or treatment.