kross

i am 30, getting into flying. At 28 I was stressed from work and went to see a shrink. The doc gave me adderall. I filled the script 4-5 times and never took it again. Wish I would have known not to ever fill it, but hindsight is 20/20. So now I'm in the process of getting my 1st class, and would like any info you can give.

1st step: Called a doctor that deals with tough medicals. Dr Bruce Chien. He seems like he knows what he's doing, I'm hoping so. He suggested going back to the issuing psychiatrist and see if he will say the diagnosis was a trial, and clearly I dont have ADD, nor need medication for it. Dr. Chien also said if that doctor doesnt want to do that, I can then go to another shrink and be re-examined to see if it was a mis-diagnosis. Then we will take that info and write to the FAA. I currently have an appointment next month with the psychiatrist that gave me the meds in the first place. I will be talking to him about my situation then.

So am I going about this the right way? Should I call another medical-solutions company? I'm ok spending the money, i just want this over with. Anyone with similar situations thats gotten through it? I have gotten alot of confidence after reading the few add stories I could find on this board. Thanks to all for sharing. any info appreciated.

- Kross

lbfowlerjrmd

IMHO i would see an AME and undergo a standard exam - asking the AME to defer to the FAA - the usual routine. The FAA will respond within 2 to 6 weeks and outline what they need to issue you a certificate. They may or may not request an opinion from your personal shrink.

kross

interesting to hear such a different opinion of going to the AME before going to the shrink. Thanks for your input. Your suggestion seems like a very logical approach. I am nervous to get denied, then spend years going through the process of getting approved (from the horror stories I hear).

Many friends have suggested from personal experience, "just dont tell anyone and no one will ever know". This seems like a terrible idea to me, but the allure is def there.

Flutter

Shhh... It's a can of worms. Go about your journey.

USMCFLYR

I'm sure those same friends will be right there by your side should you find yourself under investigation for lying on the Federal form. I'd be more upset at the medical establishment who seems to diagnose ADD and prescrib meds at the drop of a hat.

USMCFLYR

kross

Is this a pandora's box that it better addressed when and if the FAA ever finds out, or is it better to address it now? But, if we are talking years to get the medical sorted out, and most people think its better to address the issue if the FAA ever points it out, then please leave that suggestion. any and all help is appreciated.

- Kross

kross

I agree completely. i don't think I could live always wondering and looking over my shoulder. But, as i said in the last post, if its standard practice to not say anything, and lots others agree, then I'd have to consider. Mainly I am looking for suggestions here, or to shed some more light on the process of going through the hoops.

- Kross

Flutter

[QUOTE=kross;1162968]I agree completely. i don't think I could live always wondering and looking over my shoulder. But, as i said in the last post, if its standard practice to not say any

USMCFLYR

What you need to be weighing is the cost-vs-risk benefits analysis of knowingly lying on the form. I can guarantee you that the FAA won't be very understanding if you are trying to fix the siutation AFTER getting caught.
If you want to do this professionally, at some point you'll have to be asking yourself if you want to go through this every 6 months and hope that you always say the right thing, write the right thing, don't let something slip, and that you have *good* AMEs rather than getting some KNOWN (meaning diagnosed) problem taken care of the right way the first time and being able to put it behind you and forge ahead.

USMCFLYR

kross

I'm def going the safe route here, regardless of time and energy. Just spoke with a friend who is a psychiatrist. He said he would be happy to do an exam. He made clear he wont do me any favors, but will do a thorough exam. I'm seeing the diagnosing shrink tomorrow, then I will see my friend as well. . If both dismiss it as me not having ADD, I should be good to go & start the process. Time will tell.

- Kross