Antidepressant use as a teenager

[FlyGuy83]

I'm in the process of going for my 1st class medical and I'm a little worried about reporting the use of antidepressants when I was a teen. I think I used them for over 6 months to treat mild depression/dysthimia. I'm sure it wouldn't be a disqualifyer since it's been long resolved, but I don't think I'd be able to get the records I need. I was a minor at the time and can't recall which doctor I went to, nor can my parents since it's been about 8 years or so.
State law apparently requires that doctors shred their records of former patients after 10 years, so it may just go away soon enough. The only thing that bothers me is that the former airline that I worked for did a physical on me for employment. At that time, I listed in my medical history that i had taken antidepressants for depression as a teenager. I'm worried that that will come back to haunt me if I ever go back to the airline and they cross-check my new physical file with my old one.
Anyone have any ideas? I'm so tempted to just check "no" and avoid the whole hassle. Mainly because I have no documentation to support the case; I think they might deny my application. Any help?

[Cessnaflyer]

Originally Posted by FlyGuy83

I'm so tempted to just check "no" and avoid the whole hassle. Mainly because I have no documentation to support the case; I think they might deny my application. Any help?

Bad news bears right there. Be truthful on all those forms, what they may find later can really put you in the wrong place!

[My Flight Surgeon]

First, it has been years ago and you were on the drug for less than 6 months. Check YES and put a nice detailed explanation down. The AME will also have to enter an explanation. Since it was that long ago and you have no more issues, it should not be a problem.


Regarding medical records - I know of no state law anywhere that requires shredding of medical records at 10 years. The lawyers would be all over that one. Most state laws require us to keep the records for a minimum of 7 years but there is no requirement to destroy them.

[FlyGuy83]

Dr. Forred,

I'm going to come clean about the disclosure. To be honest, I'm not sure how long I was on the meds. If I was on them for less than 6 months, which is very possible, would the doctor need documentation from my therapist? Even if the doctor doesn't need documentation, I'm guessing from reading the FAA AME guide on doctor disposition that I could still be issued the 1st class medical certificate on the spot. However, do you think FAA will follow up and ask for documentation even if the AME didn't need it? Or does it all rest with the AME?
I called my former psychiatrist's office and they said they could not immediately locate my file (It has been 8-9 years since treatment). The receptionist said she could look some more, but if they're unable to locate any records of mine, how will FAA handle it if they need documentation? Thanks so much.

[jet-dreams]

If a pilot is hired by an airline does the airline usually request to see any medical records from past or present doctors?

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by FlyGuy83

Dr. Forred,

I'm going to come clean about the disclosure. To be honest, I'm not sure how long I was on the meds. If I was on them for less than 6 months, which is very possible, would the doctor need documentation from my therapist? Even if the doctor doesn't need documentation, I'm guessing from reading the FAA AME guide on doctor disposition that I could still be issued the 1st class medical certificate on the spot. However, do you think FAA will follow up and ask for documentation even if the AME didn't need it? Or does it all rest with the AME?
I called my former psychiatrist's office and they said they could not immediately locate my file (It has been 8-9 years since treatment). The receptionist said she could look some more, but if they're unable to locate any records of mine, how will FAA handle it if they need documentation? Thanks so much.

First, it depends somewhat on the explanation the AME provides. If he minimizes it, should be no big deal. If he does not put down a good explanation, they may ask for more info.

If the psychiatrist does not have records anymore, the worst thing that could happen would be to visit a psychiatrist to get an evaluation to show you don't have depression.

The best thing to do is to write a very good explanation about the stresses of your youth and how you have grown past those as you have become older.

[FlyGuy83]

Thanks so much for the advice. I'm going tomorrow for my appointment. Wish me luck.