You are probably right but they view this as a safety issue. I would tend to agree with them - depression can be very dangerous. The real problems in depression are the lack of concentration and focus. This detracts from the important tasks in the cockpit. The other issue is the side effects of antidepressants - specifically increased incidence of suicide with some of the SSRI agents. These are listed here:
- suicidality
- depression, worsening
- serotonin syndrome
- withdrawal syndrome
- mania
- seizures
- hyponatremia
- SIADH
Part of the issue is that if a depressed pilot goes to fly, has an accident which is ALWAYS on CNN, the local congressman calls the FAA and asks what they are doing for the safety of the flying public. A real sticky wicket for a governmental agency who relies on congressional approval for funding and authority. Remember, currently the decision power as to medical regulation lies with the Federal Air Surgeon. A few upset congressmen could write changes into law and there would be no such animal as Special Issuance at all.
The FAA is considering allowing some pilots to fly on Special Issuance using SSRI anti-depressants but there will be very strict monitoring in the first few years until they get enough data to establish what the proper monitoring criteria will be.