Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

Mental Health—Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder(ADD/ADHD)Attention Deficit Disorder is a complicated behavior that is difficult to accurately diagnose and presents significant challenges for aeromedical certification. Occurring in as much as 5-10 percent of school-age children, and predominantly in boys, the disorder is defined by developmentally inappropriate degrees of inattention and impulsiveness, with or without a hyperactivity component. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM IV) establishes the criteria for the diagnosis and includes nine signs of inattention, six signs of hyperactivity, and three signs of impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in two or more situations, such as home and school, and the behavior must impair social or academic functioning.

Inattention symptoms include failure to pay close attention to detail, failure to follow through on instructions and complete tasks, difficulty organizing activities, easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, and forgetfulness. Fidgeting of hands or feet, excessive talking, and difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities demonstrates the hyperactive component. Impulsivity is often characterized by blurting out answers before questions have been completely asked, difficulty waiting in turn, and interrupting or intruding on others.

Although effective treatment has been obtained through the use of psychostimulants, follow-up studies of children with ADD show that the symptoms aren’t always outgrown, and academic problems, low self-esteem, and difficulty learning appropriate social behavior continue into adolescence and adulthood. Individuals with a history of ADD and impulsivity have a noticeable incidence of personality trait disorders and antisocial behavior.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), pemoline (Cylert), amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and atomoxetine (Strattera) are commonly prescribed drugs for treating ADD; however, the mechanisms of action are not fully understood in persons with the disorder. The drugs stimulate the production of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine that affect behavior.  Unfortunately, the side-effect profile of these psychostimulants is not insignificant and may include insomnia, depression or sadness, headache, appetite loss, and blood pressure increase.

Because of the potential for significant underlying psychiatric or psychological problems and the side effects of medications, the FAA does not currently allow medical certification for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD requiring the use of medication.

For medical certification consideration, you will need to have discontinued all psychoactive medications for at least the preceding 90 days.  After being off the medications for 90 days, a neuropsychological evaluation should be conducted.  The neuropsychological evaluation must also include the following three tests:

  1. Trail Making Test
  2. Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
  3. Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT)

If the airman is an adult who has been prescribed one of the stimulant-type drugs for ADD, but has not been diagnosed with the disorder, the medications will have to be discontinued for three days before undergoing the neuropsychological evaluation noted above.

How/Where to Submit to the FAA

Helps you find the contact information for submitting your medical records.


Updated October 27, 2009