Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Aviation Medicine

“ADHD needs to be in full remission, off stimulant medication for a minimum of 6 months after the completion of treatment.”

dr thomas perkins, casa dame and aviation medical officer

Effect of condition on aviation

• Premature and ill-considered actions
• Restlessness and excess of movement causing distraction
• Impaired split attention affecting multi-tasking and situational awareness

Approach to medical certification

Based on the condition

• In full remission

Based on Treatment

• No safety-relevant medication such as stimulants

Demonstrated Stability

• Absence of symptoms for a minimum of 6 months after treatment completed. (Reflects DSMIV diagnostic criteria)

Risk assessment protocol – Information required

New cases

• Copies of medical records from date of diagnosis to the present
• Copies of records from Medicare detailing consultations and prescription of medications
• An up to date assessment by the treating paediatrician or psychiatrist if available detailing:
  • History of condition
  • Precise confirmation of the diagnosis with reference to DSM-IV criteria
  • Co-morbidities, including drug and alcohol use
  • Requirement and response to treatment
  • Current clinical status with respect to DSM-IV criteria
  • Current functional status, with reference to collateral information if available from school, family, workplace etc.
• Completion by the paediatrician/psychiatrist and the chief flying instructor of the  ADHD and autism spectrum disorder instructor’s questionnaire form 420 (PDF 617.14 KB) regarding symptoms in the context of and noting the implications to both the normal day to day life and the conduct of aviation. Attached questionnaire
• Copies of academic records and employment history
• Copies of traffic infringements and criminal records
• Copies of any special investigations performed such as QEEG or neuropsychological testing
• Follow-up plan
• Previous specialist reports if available

Renewal

• May be subject to annual review by an appropriate specialist on a case by case basis.

Indicative outcomes

Favourable

• Stable off medication for at least 6 months and satisfactory reports
• Instructor questionnaire and annual specialist reports for 5 years following cessation of treatment. After 5 years consideration of removal of surveillance requirement.

Unfavourable

• Recurrence of symptoms
• Stimulant medication

Pilot & Controller Information

• Any recurrence must be reported to the DAME

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Disclaimer

The clinical practice guidelines is provided by way of guidance only and subject to the clinical practice guidelines disclaimer.Last modified: 5 September 2018