Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Use Among Army Aviators

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Mental health significantly impacts Army aviator career longevity, readiness, and healthcare utilization.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common pharmacotherapy for mental health disorders.
• Understanding SSRI use in aviators is crucial for maintaining flight safety and personnel well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a descriptive epidemiological review of SSRI use in U.S. Army aviators.
• To analyze the primary diagnoses and aeromedical dispositions associated with SSRI use.
• To inform aeromedical decision-making regarding mental health treatment in aviation personnel.

Main Methods:

• Archival data from the U.S. Army Aeromedical Electronic Resource Office (AERO) from 2005 to 2015 were utilized.
• A subset of data pertaining to SSRI use was extracted for analysis.
• Frequencies of primary diagnoses and aeromedical outcomes were calculated.

Main Results:

• 114 unique cases of SSRI use were identified, resulting in 122 aeromedical outcomes.
• Waiver recommendations (41), suspension recommendations (59), and waiver continuations (22) were documented.
• Top diagnoses included depressive disorder (32), anxiety state (21), and posttraumatic stress disorder (16).

Conclusions:

• SSRI use can be safely integrated into Army aviation with evidence-based policies and careful aeromedical risk assessment.
• Proactive management and oversight of mental health treatment in aviators are essential for performance and safety.
• Addressing mental health concerns openly prevents negative impacts on aviator performance and aviation safety.