Past Diagnosis of Depression

[Unregistered]

Hello,

I am a student pilot, and I am currently in the process of filling out the MedXpress form and I see that I may have to answer "Yes" to having been diagnosed with depression in the past. In 2013, I underwent treatment for depression after the death of my father, which involved being on an anti-depressant for a few months. Long story short, I decided I was better off without the anti-depressants, and went off of them with the doc's help. I remained in therapy for a while after that, but am no longer in therapy today, nor am I being treated for depression.

I am worried about how this would affect my application, and what I should do at this point? Do I need to contact my doctor? Is there a form I need to have signed?

In short, am I screwed? What do I do?

Thanks for your help,
D

 

[Skip Miller]

In short, am I screwed? What do I do?

Thanks for your help,
D

You are not screwed. Contact a specialist in difficult medical certifications such as Dr. Bruce Chien who hangs out on the AOPA Forums, or directly at www.aeromedicaldoc.com.

You may have a hoop or two to jump through but from what I understand, your medical should be very possible.

-Skip

 

[lbfjrmd]

i would answer truthfully ... the FAA will reply by letter outlining step or steps necessary. I do not see this as a full HIMS type case.

 

[Mason]

I would advise against lying on the medical form, whether by omission or commission. And I would disregard the advice of anyone so recommending.

 

[AggieMike88]

i would answer truthfully ... the FAA will reply by letter outlining step or steps necessary. I do not see this as a full HIMS type case.

Lou, is this type of case an auto deferral? Or can he work with a Senior AME to get all he needs to have before the live exam?

 

[lbfjrmd]

Lou, is this type of case an auto deferral? Or can he work with a Senior AME to get all he needs to have before the live exam?

any ame should be able to handle this especially any senior ame. I always rec presenting the facts and send nothing until the FAA responds. The Airman can always request that his application be deferred to the FAA and i expect this will happen. Gone are the days that the local AME outright denies the case. In this case, as presented i would summarize that 'airman was treated for situational depression for a very short time and there appear to be no physical or mental impairments to preclude issuance. I rec approval.' FAA will likely request records from doctor(s) and ask for a psychiatrist to eval the airman. Then these are sent in 1 mailing to OKC.