Originally Posted by Excargodog

https://youtu.be/FebHBtwezwE

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/media/SituationalDepression.pdf


Because your condition lasted longer than six months the AME will not be able to issue, your case MUST be referred to FAA Med standards folks at OKC. Whether they will issue a SI at all, as well as what the timing might be for such issuance is dependent upon the specific facts of your case, the quality of the recommendations by your treating physician, and the skill and experience of the AME putting it in to the system.

My guess - and it’s only that - is that it will not be quick, not be cheap, and no guarantee of eventual success. It’s a big CYA bureaucracy and can proceed with glacial-like speed at times. I wish it were different for you, but I doubt that it will be.

Originally Posted by sealandair

Hey pilots,

So I was diagnosed with Major Moderate Depression in 2019 (I guess there's a major severe subtype), and it took awhile to get the right medication, which I found out is typical for depression... you have to find the Rx that works for you and the right dosage that works. My doctor started me on Wellbutrin, which is not on the FAAs approved list, but it didn't work for me anyway and I only took it for about 10 days before the doc switched me to Prozac (fluoxetine). That started to work but after 6 months it kind of pooped out, which again is common, and my doc switched me to Zoloft (sertraline). That did the trick and after a few months my mood adjusted fine. (Also, both Prozac and Zoloft are approved by FAA). I grounded myself and remained unemployed for about 3-1/2 years, but I was lucky and had financial resources. No suicide attempt, no DUI, no drugs either... I also started working out and had many sessions with a great clinical psychologist, who thinks I may be ready to ditch the anti-depressants after another month or so of observation.


So I'm wondering what happens if I apply for a FCM and NOT taking meds anymore. Do I still need to see a HIMS ame? I still have to disclose all my past doctor visits and meds taken previously, but does that still warrant an SI? Also will 3-1/2 years of unemployment and depression kill my chances at a regional, if I and my doc can prove to them I've made a full recovery? I have about 1470 TT, 100 MEL, 50 turbine, and come from 135 background. Plus 4 year degree.


Thanks to anyone who might be able to help.


r

Originally Posted by rickair7777

I think that *resolved* depression, without any complications and without the need for meds will be straightforward. Maybe eventually a regular issuance, not SI.

He did not say he was depressed for 3+ years, just unemployed. Sounds like the depression resolved fairly quickly with the right meds. Even if took the meds for a few years that doesn't mean he was depressed or that he actually needed the meds. For most people, the docs may just leave you on meds longer term rather than risk relapse. For a pilot, it's obviously better to get happy and then try to get off and stay off the meds.

Red flags would be going off meds and then needing to go back, or multiple episodes of depression/anxiety. Anything other than depression/anxiety is bad.

For one episode, they know that most people can learn to stay happy without meds... once they know how it all works.

Originally Posted by Excargodog

Some issues:

1. The AME CANNOT ISSUE. This is not a situational depression or adjustment disorder with depressed mood of six months or less duration. This is a diagnosed Major Depression. It will HAVE to to go to OKC. The AME doesn’t have the authority to issue.

2. The individual has been on three different drugs and failed two of them and is still on the third and seeing a clinical Psychologist. If symptoms or treatment extends beyond 6 months, even a situational depression or adjustment disorder would still have to go to OKC. A SI WILL BE NEEDED, either permitting him to continue on an acceptable antidepressant or only after a period of being off his current medications without relapse.

3. I’m not saying he even needed to be on the meds for 3+ years, but that doesn’t matter. It’s like the legions of kids who never needed to be on Ritalin to begin with, and never did have ADD. Once the diagnosis has been put on them, the FAA will make them jump through hoops before they can hold a physical.

not saying it can’t be done, just that it won’t be quick, won’t be cheap, and there is no guarantee of approval.

Originally Posted by Excargodog

Some issues:

1. The AME CANNOT ISSUE. This is not a situational depression or adjustment disorder with depressed mood of six months or less duration. This is a diagnosed Major Depression. It will HAVE to to go to OKC. The AME doesn’t have the authority to issue.

2. The individual has been on three different drugs and failed two of them and is still on the third and seeing a clinical Psychologist. If symptoms or treatment extends beyond 6 months, even a situational depression or adjustment disorder would still have to go to OKC. A SI WILL BE NEEDED, either permitting him to continue on an acceptable antidepressant or only after a period of being off his current medications without relapse.

3. I’m not saying he even needed to be on the meds for 3+ years, but that doesn’t matter. It’s like the legions of kids who never needed to be on Ritalin to begin with, and never did have ADD. Once the diagnosis has been put on them, the FAA will make them jump through hoops before they can hold a physical.

not saying it can’t be done, just that it won’t be quick, won’t be cheap, and there is no guarantee of approval.

Originally Posted by rickair7777

What he was diagnosed with is one thing, that will have to be addressed with the FAA. What he described is a different animal, sounds like it might be one and done since he's made lifestyle changes.

Originally Posted by rickair7777

Also need to decide whether to try to get certified with meds (that's a permanent SI for sure), or ditch the meds, do the waiting period, and then try.

Originally Posted by sealandair

Nah, it was a little more serious than one-and-done. I did have one recurring episode, but it didn't last very long and this was just after I transitioned to my third and final Rx (which by the way can take 1.5+ months to take effect) and started working out.

Originally Posted by sealandair

Exactly. It's looking like it may be less time and hassle in the long run requesting SI and just stay on Rx, than ditching them even at doctor's guidance and waiting 12 months. So I have to be drug dependent on SSRIs to fly sooner... makes a ton of sense.

Originally Posted by rickair7777

If that works you could just get on with your career... try to get hired at a major (regional???) with a decent disability program for sure, that way you can still get paid down the road if you need or want to get off meds and have to do the wait period.