Psychiatrist Consultation

[Pj1888]

I have arranged to take my initial class 1 examination this month and first need to attend a consultation with the caa's approved psychiatrist Dr Peter Hayden Smith.

This is necessary because I completed a course of antidepressants a couple of years ago for reasons I wont bore you with.

Fortunately I haven't required such treatment for some time now and am looking forward to beginning integrated ATPL training in July, however I am still naturally nervous about recalling the details in order to assess my suitability to upgrade to class1 (I already possess a class 2).

If anyone has attended a similar consultation, I would greatly appreciate any details of what to expect.

Thanks.

[Bealzebub]

I would go there expecting a pleasant and civilized chat with somebody who will undoubtably be a very experienced health professional in that particular field.

These type of consultations are not designed to be an obstacle to progress, but are meant to advance and facilitate the process wherever possible. There are a great many conditions where further investigation or information is required because of a past or current medical problem. Obviously the intention is to ensure that any past or present condition or treatment is compatible with the patients excercise of a medical certificate.

I understand your apprehension, but I believe the consulation will be a very relaxed and worthwhile experience. Obviously it is necessary, but you are likely to come away with a very positive opinion of the experience. The consultant will be very experienced in whatever problems and treatments you will be discussing, and again you must remember they are looking for a positive result as much as you are.

[zero1]

Don't worry about this; I had a review meeting with the guys at the CAA on the same subject sometime ago. Basically it's just a chat to check your history and understand the causes behind the previous illness and how you are now. If you have been off the tables for 2 years or over, it sounds like you are OK.:ok:

As I have pointed out before 1 in every 4 people will become ill from a mental illness during their life with the most common being depression or anxiety. Pilots are no more immune to this than anyone sector of the public.

There is no hidden agenda to catch you out; it is just a review (chat), which the doc will make recommendations from. At the end of the day they are trying to keep you flying and not to stop you unless you are unsafe.

The CAA have long reconiged the issue of pilots taking SSRI drugs and the hidden problem of pilots not declairing their illness. There are changes afoot but you will need to keep an eye on the CAA medical web site for future announcements on the subject.

good luck

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

<<It is not a relaxed arrangement in the slightest.>>

I would beg to differ. Long ago I had my Class 1 medical certificate withdrawn, which caused me very considerable concern a) because I thought I might be ill, and b) because my job was on the line.

Following meetings with one or two AMEs I was referred by the CAA to Consultant Neurologist, Gp Capt Merry who was a thorough gentleman. My consultation with him was very relaxed and he put me at ease immediately. Without any major examinations, but with just a few questions and a look at my history he was able to tell me exactly what was causing the "problem", that it was nothing serious and that following his report to SRG I should get my medical back.... which I did, very quickly.

[Bealzebub]

You are going to a CAA consultant. His job is to determine your fitness under the CAA regulations.

It is not a relaxed arrangement in the slightest.

Whilst the first sentence is obvious, the second is patently wrong!

Basic common sense would suggest that any good professional consultant is going to put the patient at ease. Even if that were not the case, this is an appointment with a psychiatrist and not a proctologist! Why on Earth would it be anything other than a relaxed appointment given that the patient is likely to be apprehensive in advance? In any event these are moot points as three patients have already stated it is indeed relaxed.

[Pj1888]

Thanks everyone for the reassurance, I have no doubt that the interview will be relaxed and informal. The one person suggesting otherwise appears to be doing so simply to be deliberately unhelpful.

If there are any other members who have been through a similar experience I would be grateful to know what particular issues were discussed.

Thanks again.

[gingernut]

He wants to make sure that you have not a severe enduring mental illness which he should be able to ascertain through a simple consultation. The CAA docs are duty bound to go through this process. He won't be trying to trip you up. Be truthful.:)

[Pj1888]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I needn't have worried, the consultation was as relaxed as I could have hoped for and Dr Hayden Smith very polite and helpful. I now possess my class 1 certificate and am looking forward to beginning my ground school in a month.

Anyone else approaching a similar appointment shouldn't become overly concerned.

[samuk1000]

The point is that you are well now. I am glad this went so well for you.

[zero1]

Relaxed doesn't mean un professional, they are not there to catch you out but to ensure you are well and fit for flying. Good luck with your future career :D

[cascado]

Hi there.

Can I ask how you managed to get a hold of Dr Smith as I am trying to do so atm and the number I have doesn't seem to be working.

[Oldfield89]

Peter holds a clinic on a Tuesday fortnightly at CAA. You should be able to arrange an appointment via Medical Reception at CAA LGW.

PM me if you need further. He's a smashing Doctor whom I've got to know reasonably well.

[Buttie Box]

After an 8-year journey, tomorrow morning I'll be sitting down for a chat with Dr Haydon-Smith for what I'm hoping will be the last hoop in regaining my Class 1. Typical story: ULH, commuting commitment, working for a company able to fire 49 pilots to keep others in line, honed sense of duty, little time for self, blah blah.

Over the last few years, I adopted the mantra, "It is what it is," a sort of "What's for you won't go past you." Life changes involved losing 35lbs and changing my diet (look up 'leaky gut'.) More relaxed, pragmatic view of life. I smile as I put £27.63 worth of fuel in the car rather than wee squirts to make a round £30.

No, I'm not a doctor and can only offer personal experience but to those of you under the weather, so to speak, there were days that I thought that there would be no improvement.

Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

All the best,

BB

[MaximumPete]

I had to see Gordon Turnbull at the CAA twice. A brilliant consultant who put you at ease as soon as you walked in. The standard of CAA consultants is excellent and they are there to help you.

[Buttie Box]

Straightforward. PHS a real gent. Went through some standard questions including background and how did I come to be seeing him.

As all other aspects of medical were OK, I was gobsmacked to be issued with Class 1 there and then.

Off to Exeter next week. The only downside is that I didn't transfer my -400 rating on leaving Hong Kong so will only get a CPL - a frozen ATPL? As soon as I check out on a multi-pilot aircraft, I'm back.

More hoops.

[zero1]

The CAA have come a long way on the use of SSRI and depression and anxiety conditions. There is still some way to go, but if you are required to jump the extra huddle then the interview should not be a problem. When it was my time I met their chief consultant, sadly I can't remember his name other than he was a professor in the subject.

It was the usual review of your history and current medication and level of stability and review of all your medical history and medical reports.

Plus a Q&A period were you could ask him questions, which I found useful as another view point on the subject.... the end result was reinstatement of my medical certificate.

The protocol still needs some work to take into consideration new drugs and other treatments but we have a good baseline to work from.