Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Decision Considerations - Aerospace Medical Dispositions
Item 47. Psychiatric Conditions
The use of a psychotropic drug is disqualifying for aeromedical certification purposes. This includes all sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs (including SSRI's - see exceptions), analeptics, anxiolytics, and hallucinogens. The Examiner should defer issuance and forward the medical records to the AMCD.
- General Considerations
- Denials
- Use of Antidepressant Medications
- Anxiety, Depression, and Related Conditions Fast Track Pathway (PDF)
- Anxiety, Depression, and Related Conditions Disposition Table (PDF)
- Anxiety, Depression, and Related Conditions Decision Tool for the AME (PDF)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (PDF)
- Situational Depression (PDF) Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood or Minor Depression
- Situation Depression Decision Tool for the AME (PDF)
- Psychiatric Conditions Disposition Table
The Psychiatric Conditions Disposition Table lists the most common conditions of aeromedical significance and the corresponding AME course of action. Do not issue a medical certificate to an applicant with medical conditions that require deferral or for any condition not listed that may result in sudden or subtle incapacitation without consulting the AMCD or the RFS. Medical documentation must be submitted for any condition in order to support an issuance of an airman medical certificate.
For drug and alcohol conditions, see Substances of Dependence/Abuse.