Depression

Dugie8

Dugie8

Well-Known Member
Doc

Wonder if you can shed some light on this. I was diagnosed with dysthemia (sp?) in March of 2006, did the necessary steps and was only without my medical for a week. However, every medical I have gotten has been limited to six months and I have to do a psychiatric and psychological eval for each one (this is done with my "shrink"). My question;
Is this something I will have to do for the rest of my career, or does the FAA have some cut off point where they no longer limit my medical (first class) to six months and no longer require the P&P eval?

Thanks!
 
The FAA is much more cautious with psychiatric problems than medical problems. Unfortunately, there is no easy lab test to see if it is under control.

The tendency is to increrase the interval between evaluations for most problems once there is a track record of stability. After 2 years, if they continue to ask for the 6 month evaluations, make a request to have them extended to 12 months and see if they will do it for you. I don't know if they will grant the request but it is sure worth the try.
 
In the past couple of months I've been going through major changes in my life, and as a result I feel as though I'm dealing with depression. What I'd like to know is if I see a Psychiatrist or Clincal Psychologist without taking medication can I still fly? Or do I loose my medical? If it's suggested that I take anti-depressant how hard is it too get my medical back? :confused:
I apologize if this has been answered in the past. TIA
 
First, if you are not on medication, you can still fly.

Second, be conscious of how depressed you are. If you cannot concentrate, you should probably ground yourself as a safety precaution until you feel better.

Third, if you take antidepressants for less than 6 months and have been off the medication for 3 months you can maintain your medical certificate. You will need to have a report from the treating clinician regarding the status of your depression, the fact that you are no longer on medication and you have recovered. This will have to be presented to the AME at the next physical. Failure to do so will result in a letter from the FAA and multiple delays that can be avoided by being proactive.

Good luck.:)
 
Doc - probably not a bad time to mention that the concern of risking your medical should not postpone or be cause not to seek proper medical treatment for psychological disorders.

Living a happy life outside aviation is much better than living a depressed one in it - regardless what anyone says. I worked at an emergency room, and what I saw in the pysch. ward scared me more than what I saw in the trauma bays.
 
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