FAA - Medical Record Investigation?

[floridaflyer]

I'm looking for any feedback as to how far or even if the FAA looks into the medical records of certificate holders. I've read many posts here saying don't volunteer anything to the AME as the red tape that follows can tangle you up for quite some time.

My concern is as follows: After losing four very close family members in a very short period of time a few years back, I wasn't exactly too energetic about everything. I felt like talking to someone outside of the circle of friends/family and as such went to see a shrink. This was not a referral from my primary care physcian and is not part of my medical records with that office. Well anyways, the shrink diagnosed me with dysthmia(?), which I'm pretty sure is a form of depression. Then again, when you go see a shrink I would assume that they don't want to say you're fine - don't come back - have a nice day; they're not gonna build up a bunch of clients like that. When applying for the medical I did not disclose having seen the doc. Is this a legit concern? Having been bitten by the flying bug I, like many others on this forum, intend to pursue a career in aviation. I wasn't too concerned with just a third class when flying for my own pleasure, but now I'm looking at a 2nd or 1st class with a career hanging on my ability to maintain posession of it and I certainly don't want the FAA doing an in depth search through my medical records and potentially finding that I did not disclose something I'm pretty sure they want applicants to let them know about. I would assume that If I checked the little box on a future app I'll be grounded for some time.

Any thoughts on whether or not this is really something to be concerned about? Does the FAA really take the time to research medical records for applicants? I don't think that this is information readily available in my records, but you never know. My name could come up in the FAA lottery as to whose med they'd like to investigate inside and out, but does that really happen? Thanks for your input everyone!

[kellwolf]

I would guess that as long as you aren't currently on meds for depression, you should be okay.

[donttouchanything]

I believe they ask "have you ever been treated for depression?"
So you could become the victim of a technicality. I'm a firm believer in not saying more than you want to be public knowledge. But, I also think there is a big difference between feeling 'Blue' about some personal issues and being clinically depressed. Good luck.

[jtrain609]

I wouldn't ever admit something like that pubically, it could be your end if someone figured out who you were.