SSRI Deferral Path Forward

[Goldenbrownie]

I’m looking for some clarity on the medical clearance process after a deferral. At the time of my AME evaluation, I was on an approved SSRI and was put on SSRI Path II. After speaking with my doctor and subsequently deciding to go off medication, I called the FAA medical clearance office to alert them that I chose to take SSRI Path I.

According to everything I read online, choosing SSRI Path I means that I should be able to apply for regular issuance after 60 days off medication. But a few months after that phone call, I received a letter from the FAA requesting further medical records, indicating that my initial application is still open.

Given the conflicting information I’ve found, I’m curious to know what the best path forward is. According to the woman I spoke to at the FAA, I’m required to just submit all the paperwork when I believe I should be entitled to a regular issuance application. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[bbchien]

I hope you have not fallen victim to that most common of misconception that you can "just stop": Decision path 1 is not avaiable to everyone.

If you have any of:
(1) A practitioner named your diagnosis including the word "recurrent" (based on risk facotrs)
(2) You actually did recurr- e.g. you went off meds in the past and then had need of meds again.
(3) Your condition has been ongoing on and off "or just on" for more than 5 years
(4) or you had two or more "reactive" uses: FAA is going to say that's recurrency because it is NOT normal to have a stressor and repeatedly require psychiatry support meds.

100% of those are denied if not on the ON SSRI program. Why? When on meds (with recurrent disease) your next relapse will be about 4x as distant as if you were off the med. So the FAA wants you prophylaxed and treated and monitorored in THEIR program, to certify you.

Your routine garden variety Sr. AME may not understand this. If you have recurent disease, you are 100% denied.

If you discontinued after the application, they are going to issue you a denial with "intructions for reconsideration". FAA hates anything but "straight level and stable". IF your records show recurrent disease, they're going to deny you and since they cannot recommend healthcare, you have to understand "what the problem is" and subsequently repply on the ON SSRI path, with all the items requried already in hand.

B

 

[TaxiOut]

Im in this same boat now. Was on SSRIs for 2 or so years for GAD following trauma. Was on them when I applied, AME asked for a process note, my doctor/I provided the note, AME never uploaded the note, was denied due to an unanswered request and 1 year later I’m working with the regional flight surgeons office. They sent me a letter after requesting reconsideration asking for a progress note, and 5 year pharmacy record on pharmacy letter head as I’m now off (under doctors guidelines and monitoring, been off for sometime). I’ll be mailing those myself as I do not trust the AME. She said once they are reviewed they will reach out if anything else is required. Which I have a feeling there will be. It’s a game, gotta play unfortunately. Hate to say it but it’s clear why pilots hide mental health conditions. The FAA only has themselves to blame. Punish the honest, give certs to the dishonest. Not all of course, but you catch my drift. I’m only (trying) to get into the world of aviation. Couldn’t imagine if my job was at stake. Imagine having to decide on earning money, or taking care of your health. People have said it time and time again, the FAA can and will make things as expensive, lengthy, and time wasting as possible. While I understand it’s about safety, they also are creating much more issues with thier handling of pilots in need of mental health care. They need to let doctors do their stuff, and the paper pushers do theirs. Best of luck to you, I’m rooting for you that you can get on the other side of this. The RFS did say however, she is optimistic that changes to have the FAA handle mental health are coming, but again it’s the government so she said we will probably see them in 10-20 years.

 

[Goldenbrownie]

Im in this same boat now. Was on SSRIs for 2 or so years for GAD following trauma. Was on them when I applied, AME asked for a process note, my doctor/I provided the note, AME never uploaded the note, was denied due to an unanswered request and 1 year later I’m working with the regional flight surgeons office. They sent me a letter after requesting reconsideration asking for a progress note, and 5 year pharmacy record on pharmacy letter head as I’m now off (under doctors guidelines and monitoring, been off for sometime). I’ll be mailing those myself as I do not trust the AME. She said once they are reviewed they will reach out if anything else is required. Which I have a feeling there will be. It’s a game, gotta play unfortunately. Hate to say it but it’s clear why pilots hide mental health conditions. The FAA only has themselves to blame. Punish the honest, give certs to the dishonest. Not all of course, but you catch my drift. I’m only (trying) to get into the world of aviation. Couldn’t imagine if my job was at stake. Imagine having to decide on earning money, or taking care of your health. People have said it time and time again, the FAA can and will make things as expensive, lengthy, and time wasting as possible. While I understand it’s about safety, they also are creating much more issues with thier handling of pilots in need of mental health care. They need to let doctors do their stuff, and the paper pushers do theirs. Best of luck to you, I’m rooting for you that you can get on the other side of this. The RFS did say however, she is optimistic that changes to have the FAA handle mental health are coming, but again it’s the government so she said we will probably see them in 10-20 years.

Glad to know I’m not the only one - it’s an ongoing process and I hope both of us will see the other side of this soon!! Good luck to you as well

 

[wellknow]

Im in this same boat now. Was on SSRIs for 2 or so years for GAD following trauma. Was on them when I applied, AME asked for a process note, my doctor/I provided the note, AME never uploaded the note, was denied due to an unanswered request and 1 year later I’m working with the regional flight surgeons office. They sent me a letter after requesting reconsideration asking for a progress note, and 5 year pharmacy record on pharmacy letter head as I’m now off (under doctors guidelines and monitoring, been off for sometime). I’ll be mailing those myself as I do not trust the AME. She said once they are reviewed they will reach out if anything else is required. Which I have a feeling there will be. It’s a game, gotta play unfortunately. Hate to say it but it’s clear why pilots hide mental health conditions. The FAA only has themselves to blame. Punish the honest, give certs to the dishonest. Not all of course, but you catch my drift. I’m only (trying) to get into the world of aviation. Couldn’t imagine if my job was at stake. Imagine having to decide on earning money, or taking care of your health. People have said it time and time again, the FAA can and will make things as expensive, lengthy, and time wasting as possible. While I understand it’s about safety, they also are creating much more issues with thier handling of pilots in need of mental health care. They need to let doctors do their stuff, and the paper pushers do theirs. Best of luck to you, I’m rooting for you that you can get on the other side of this. The RFS did say however, she is optimistic that changes to have the FAA handle mental health are coming, but again it’s the government so she said we will probably see them in 10-20 years.

good luck