Just some information: For future pilots and wannabees - ADD / ADHD Message Board

Blackknight · 06-03-2006, 10:14 AM

Hello. I was diagnosed with ADD at a young age. Ever since I was a young child I wanted to be a commercial pilot. Thought about it day and night. I always protected my hearing and my health. When I went in for my physical to start my way down the path to become a pilot I was heartbroken when I found out that an ADD diagnosis was a disqualifying condition. I will never be a pilot even of a 2 seater airplane and it has completely derailed my life and crushed me. This was my only dream. I say this to warn parents to not be to hasty in assuming their child has ADD. I would give anything to be able to go back and stop my mother from deciding I have it.

Jennita · 06-03-2006, 08:32 PM

Very sorry that is terrible. Is there any way you could wean off medication and maybe get other opinions? I'm guessing there is no way to reverse such a diagnosis but could there be a way?

addprogrammer · 06-04-2006, 06:47 AM

Blacknight,

I was a private pilot for a number of years. Yeah, it was fun but it is not the only game in town. How about an aviation related occupation? Aeronautical engineer, A&P mechanic, etc.

But to warn parents not to intervene in the health problems of their children is not good advise. What if you had a heart condition or diabetes? They would disqualify you too. I'd say any parent that ignored their child's health is irresponsible.

I understand your disappointment and I feel for you. Part of maturing is learning how to deal with disappointments. It won't be the last you experience, believe me.

Bob

Blackknight · 06-04-2006, 12:33 PM

Thats not what I meant to say. I just wanted people to be aware that being diagnosed with ADD no matter how mild a case it is a disqualifying condition. And that they should think hard about the matter and not just jump on a diagnosis. Some people are just more active than others. And I think that is who I am. But if it is a real matter of the happiness of a child, or them getting a proper education, there is not question that treatment should be sought. I just wished that I knew it would disqualify me, and that my mother had talked to me about it and WE had decided the proper course of action. AND we ALL know (even those who wont admit it) that ADD is hugely over diagnosed. Every parent who cant get there kid to be quiet thinks its a case of ADD. A child who dosn't want to do homework or stare at a television for hours on end is seen as ADD in this culture. Youth is being medicated out of our children. I am not saying that there are not genuine ADD cases. Some people need a little assistance, and those are not the people I am talking about. ADD is a serious condition that can turn a bright person in to a Mcdonalds manager for the rest of their life. (No offence to anyone I hope) And to the person who asked about my options. The only option I have is to try to overturn the diagnosis as a misdiagnosis. I have spent more than 3500 bucks on Psychiatrist visits. A heavy price for a college student, expecially when the odds are against me ever being a pilot of even a two seater aircraft. But this is my dream and even if I have to fight it for 20 more years and untold mounds of cash are spent I will continue to fight for my dream.

Oh and about geting an aviation related occupation. I thought about it, but it would torture me inside to be that close to aviation and not be able to fly.

addprogrammer · 06-04-2006, 01:21 PM

Is ADHD hugely over diagnosed? Do the majority of parents promiscuously drug their kids to shut them up?

I wasn't diagnosed until age 53. If anything, that suggests ADHD is hugely under diagnosed.

A series of tests that spanned two days is how my ADHD was diagnosed. I am sure the same series, called an ADHD evaluation, would show up a misdiagnosis. It costs no where near $3500. Talk to your shrink about it. That kind of documentation will get you pass the physical IF, and it is a BIG IF, the eval comes back negative.

I wish you the best.

Bob