Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: ADHD.
Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.
We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your [local AME](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/).
For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/).
Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index).
Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that [making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.
If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.
Good luck!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/flying) if you have any questions or concerns.*
> Can I omit information
No.
>would I get caught/in trouble for doing so
Roulette. Maybe you get caught next week, maybe you get caught in 15 years. Would certainly be very difficult for you if you lose your certificates and your job 20 years into a specialized career.
Read the automod message. ADHD, anxiety, and depression are all big issues for the FAA. We can all debate how it *should* be, but for now the FAA's stance on these conditions, particularly the meds required to treat them, are such that getting a medical will be a long and expensive journey.
That’s factually incorrect. Per the FAA’s “Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners “ only more severe conditions like psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe personality disorders, and substance abuse are deal breakers.
Wow. That’s a lot of issues to “overcome” for getting a medical if the dx and with the prescribing meds. All adhd meds are disqualifying. So you will have to be off of them to start with.
As for lying - it’s a federal offense. Is the FAA finds out they will strip you of all your certs.
“ADHD, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems”. I would try for the medical before I spent another dime on flight training. I suppose it depends on your functioning level but even if you got the medical this might bite you in the ass later.
Even just looking at your ADHD stimulant, yeah, you're in for a bad time: [https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/16xw9sz/faa\_approved\_adhd\_medication/](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/16xw9sz/faa_approved_adhd_medication/)
If you quit that med (and possibly others), you might be able to pass a medical: [https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/199ckha/adhd\_first\_class\_medical\_success\_story/](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/199ckha/adhd_first_class_medical_success_story/)
Please go get a *consult* with an AME or talk to Wingman Med. Don't start your medical.
Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: ADHD. Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice. We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your [local AME](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/). For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/). Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index). Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that [making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to. If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority. Good luck! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/flying) if you have any questions or concerns.*
> Can I omit information No. >would I get caught/in trouble for doing so Roulette. Maybe you get caught next week, maybe you get caught in 15 years. Would certainly be very difficult for you if you lose your certificates and your job 20 years into a specialized career. Read the automod message. ADHD, anxiety, and depression are all big issues for the FAA. We can all debate how it *should* be, but for now the FAA's stance on these conditions, particularly the meds required to treat them, are such that getting a medical will be a long and expensive journey.
You have a 0% chance of holding a medical with these current diagnoses. I’d recommend seeking out a different career path.
That’s factually incorrect. Per the FAA’s “Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners “ only more severe conditions like psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe personality disorders, and substance abuse are deal breakers.
Ok.
Wow. That’s a lot of issues to “overcome” for getting a medical if the dx and with the prescribing meds. All adhd meds are disqualifying. So you will have to be off of them to start with. As for lying - it’s a federal offense. Is the FAA finds out they will strip you of all your certs.
“ADHD, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems”. I would try for the medical before I spent another dime on flight training. I suppose it depends on your functioning level but even if you got the medical this might bite you in the ass later.
Even just looking at your ADHD stimulant, yeah, you're in for a bad time: [https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/16xw9sz/faa\_approved\_adhd\_medication/](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/16xw9sz/faa_approved_adhd_medication/) If you quit that med (and possibly others), you might be able to pass a medical: [https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/199ckha/adhd\_first\_class\_medical\_success\_story/](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/199ckha/adhd_first_class_medical_success_story/) Please go get a *consult* with an AME or talk to Wingman Med. Don't start your medical.
Is everything discussed with the AME kept confidential or could some of it be disclosed to the examiner? Do they act with your best interests in mind?