OCD Class 1 chances?

[EZY_FR]

Hi all,
I am going to get my initial medical done on Monday. However, a couple of years ago, I suffered from a fairly bad case of OCD. I was on Sertraline and on CBT and the treatment worked well enough to the point I feel great and happy with my life. I was discharged in August 2014 and have had no symptoms since. I know that I will need to be referred to a mental health specialist at Gatwick after my initial appointment.

The other concern I have, which is worrying me a lot, is that my brother currently suffers from OCD. I know that they mention family history in the application form, but I'm really worried in case this further reduces my chances.

Should the OCD and the family history act as an obstacle to me getting a Class 1?

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

The only people who can give you a certain answer are the medics. Tell them everything and I hope that all goes well for you.

[Jodelophile]

Family history shouldn't be a problem.
Are you still on sertraline? Pilots are now allowed to fly on it but there is a strict protocol to follow.

[EZY_FR]

No, I've been off all treatment for nearly 2 years now. IM hoping that counts for something. Merry Christmas guys!

[gingernut]

From previous posts, it would seem that you will have to jump through some hoops but it's not impossible.

Technically, you only know your family history if that member tells you about it, but to be honest, I'd just be completely upfront with them.

The aviation authorities don't go out of their way to trip you up.

[Jodelophile]

As you are off medication for two years and symptom free for well over a year there should be no problem. Mention the family history but that should not be a significant factor.

[EZY_FR]

Thanks for your insightful posts guys, they have certainly given me a nice confidence boost. :)

Do you know how they assess mental health fitness at LGW?

[gingernut]

Probably by talking to you.

And examining your notes.

They may also want to use some screening tools.....

They may use PHQ9 and GAD7 scores.

http://www.psycho-oncology.info/PHQ9_depression.pdf

GAD7 Anxiety Test Questionnaire | Patient (http://patient.info/doctor/generalised-anxiety-disorder-assessment-gad-7)

[EZY_FR]

Hi all!
I attended my initial class 1 assessment last week, but because of my history of OCD and anxiety, I need to return to Gatwick to see a Consultant Psychiatrist. What should I expect?

[EZY_FR]

Guys,
I had my follow up appointment recently, and whilst he was more than happy with my current state, he was concerned about the risk of recurrence and said it would be upto the AME Doctor. This is because the risk of recurrence is higher if you've had it before, but if they are relying only on that, then why should anyone even apply and waste their money? Should I be worried?

[EZY_FR]

Extremely pleased to announce that the CAA issued me with my unrestricted Class 1 medical this afternoon! Relieved doesn't cover it, I didn't believe I was going to get it for a while! Hopefully this message will give other OCD sufferers, past and present, hope that it can be done.

[bellaolive912]

Great News! Congratulations.

I have been under care of CAA LGW since early-2013 when I was prescribed Setraline for a form of work-related obsessional thinking. It helped me tremendously and still does to this day...
I find the Psychiatric Consultants there most flexible and helpful :)

[EZY_FR]

Great News! Congratulations.

I have been under care of CAA LGW since early-2013 when I was prescribed Setraline for a form of work-related obsessional thinking. It helped me tremendously and still does to this day...
I find the Psychiatric Consultants there most flexible and helpful :)
Thank you :). Do you still have your class 1?

[bellaolive912]

Indeed, albeit with a Multi-Crew OML restriction.

I get a day out every 6 months to go see the 'Hanging Gardens' of LGW...

;)

[EZY_FR]

Any chance you can appeal the OML limitation?

[bellaolive912]

Never thought about it TBH...I operate M/Crew anyway.

It's a strict protocol and I think that the Authority took so long to get SSRI approval via EASA that they are not keen to jeopordise it in any way.

It's fair enough really :)

[Airlinepilot1687]

pm'd you EZY_FR