Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment and Aviation Safety Using Major Depression as a Reference

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pilots is considered a threat to flight safety. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has recently revised assessment pathways for applicants with attentional problems because of an increasing recognition that ADHD is a clinical condition with a broad symptom spectrum; some individuals may have a historical diagnosis which has been in remission for several years, while others may be using psychostimulants to enhance mental focus. This commentary compares major depression as a reference and its Federal Aviation Administration certification/clearance policy with those policies associated with ADHD. Major depression can be considered a model example of a mental disorder where appropriate treatment strategies such as medication have been demonstrated not to have adverse effects upon aviation safety. We wish to highlight that when reviewing certification and assessment practice guidelines for the assessment of pilots with ADHD, decisions must be based upon robust scientific evidence that has been obtained in aviation.

Vuorio A, Bor R, Gray A, Suhonen-Malm A-S. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder assessment and aviation safety using major depression as a reference. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(11):873–875.