Quick Question about the Anxiety and Depression Changes from June

  • Thread starter Confused Airline Guy
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Confused Airline Guy

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Greetings,

I’m an airline pilot currently who had a series of stressful life events develop over the last 12 months. It caused so much stress that in July I quit flying to go get treatment with a PhD level Psychologist as I wanted good therapy with someone who knows their stuff and can document properly.

We are currently in the final stages of getting me back to where I need to be by utilizing CBT, exercise, and meditation. By the psychologist I was diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood and Anxiety.

No drug or alcohol abuse, no suicidal issues, no medications, no prior mental health treatment / history, or anything beyond being sad and anxious about watching my family members destroy their lives (by addictions) from this year. (Not me)

I am confused currently as I am out on medical leave and trying to figure out if I meet the new guidelines. I keep seeing in some places online that my psychotherapy treatment needs to >2 years ago or I will be deferred. Other places it says I should be good and my understanding of the AME guide is the >2 years only would apply if I took SSRI’s. I understand that the AME is bound by the guidelines and I am not special, but I just want to make sure I fully understand everything I am reading as I’m not familiar with Aerospace Medicine.

Would I be good to go without being deferred if I can answer with supporting documentation all the questions the FAA asks or would I be deferred since my psychotherapy will be <2 years ago.

Also since I have a union they did provide some help, but are not situated to help much in a mental health issue. They delegate that out to the AMEs for an opinion anyhow.

Thanks!
 
I am not an expert by any means and only have my experience in trying to get my medical (1st class). The fact you aren't using any SSRI's is good. It may make this easier...
1. Did you use insurance for these visits?
2. Is your medical leave at work listed for "mental health"?
3. Are you okay if you have to be grounded for a bit?

Worst case they'll defer you, ask you see a HIMS Psychologist and do a psychological evaluation. That will run you a few bucks ($2000ish range). How long this could take really depends. I have heard they give priority to those doing this for a living. I don't know if your union is able to offer any insight as to what it would look like if you get grounded for long, but I would ask them. Can you do anything in flight ops while grounded?

I really would suggest sending Dr. Bruce Chien and email. He is also active on here and you could try and message him. I don't want to give you bad advice, just want to give you what I've dealt with on my own having the same diagnosis as you and actively dealing with a deferral. Good luck! All will work out in the end. Take care of you first and foremost.
 
Company will want a new medical for your return to service.

1734442398491.png

If you have not been on meds, we need the supporting data for the diagnosis and the notes, a two year pharmacy report from your prescriptionvendor helps. It I am reading you corrctly I think you Can be issued in the office.

Turn on "signatures" in the sytem portion of this website, it's under "account details", my byline will appear- and send me a message.

B
 
bbchien said:
Company will want a new medical for your return to service.

View attachment 136310
If you have not been on meds, we need the supporting data for the diagnosis and the notes, a two year pharmacy report from your prescriptionvendor helps. It I am reading you corrctly I think you Can be issued in the office.

Turn on "signatures" in the sytem portion of this website, it's under "account details", my byline will appear- and send me a message.

B
Click to expand...
I would certainly hope that this would be textbook non-referral example.

Good luck and hope things get better for the OP.
 
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