Pilot Healthcare avoidance

Zero1Niner

Zero1Niner

Well-Known Member
Hey Doc,

This question is not related to a specific ailment, but more of an overall observation question.

Do you find that pilots tend to avoid seeking medical attention on issues that could develop into more serious issues simply because they are concerned about how it could affect their medical?

I personally know of a handful of pilots that have some psychological issues (depression, anxiety, etc) that they choose to suffer with instead of seeking help because of their medical. Its actually really sad.

Anyway, just curious about what you see on the front lines related to pilots 'ignoring' their health issues due to the stringent pressure of keeping the medical.

mods...if this is in the wrong place, sorry, but it was a direct question for the doc.
 
I see the same thing with psychological problems. For regular health issues, I tend to see pilots being more proactive to stay healthy and to get conditions treated earlier.
 
The skies will definitely be safer if/when the FAA lifts the ban against SSRI (antidepressant) medication to treat depression and anxiety. Mental illness that is treatable with medication and pilots who are extensively evaluated and monitored should be no different than any other medical condition that occurs in a pilot's life. Sometimes these conditions can't be helped with counseling alone.

This policy change has been discussed for for some time. I speak from personal experience. I am grounded because my mental health is normal and has been for some time, but my Doctor and I agree that the SSRI medication is necessary to keep me healthy. In retrospect, I suffered for some time without seeking treatment like so many pilots do. When flying is your career, sometimes guys feel they have no choice but to try and tough it out.

The change has been in the pipeline for sometime. I believe we are closer now than ever, not just because of the passage of time, but because a policy has been developed by the FAA and is awaiting the Dept. of Justice's sign off. This is taking longer than I had anticipated. Hopefully the government can find the courage and wisdom to act and truly make the skies safer for everyone.

I'd like to hear what you all think about this. Thanks.
 
Chance said:
The skies will definitely be safer if/when the FAA lifts the ban against SSRI (antidepressant) medication to treat depression and anxiety. Mental illness that is treatable with medication and pilots who are extensively evaluated and monitored should be no different than any other medical condition that occurs in a pilot's life. Sometimes these conditions can't be helped with counseling alone.

This policy change has been discussed for for some time. I speak from personal experience. I am grounded because my mental health is normal and has been for some time, but my Doctor and I agree that the SSRI medication is necessary to keep me healthy. In retrospect, I suffered for some time without seeking treatment like so many pilots do. When flying is your career, sometimes guys feel they have no choice but to try and tough it out.

The change has been in the pipeline for sometime. I believe we are closer now than ever, not just because of the passage of time, but because a policy has been developed by the FAA and is awaiting the Dept. of Justice's sign off. This is taking longer than I had anticipated. Hopefully the government can find the courage and wisdom to act and truly make the skies safer for everyone.

I'd like to hear what you all think about this. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Just saw on CNN Headline News that the FAA is going to be approving some SSRI's for pilots as early as this coming monday. They mentioned Prozac, Zoloft, and a couple others that will be approved. Seems like a smart move to me.
 
There are 5 total. I expect the official rules to be released Monday and will post important information as it becomes available.
 
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