Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. The intrusive thoughts are distressing, and may involve disturbing images of harming others, or intense thoughts about germs, relationships, sexuality or religion.

In response to these unwanted thoughts, individuals with OCD engage in compulsive behaviors such as excessive hand-washing, repeated checking of household appliances, or counting rituals.

Left untreated, the thoughts and behaviors can interfere in work and in relationships. Fortunately, there are effective medications and therapies to treat OCD.

If you are a pilot and you have OCD, it’s very important for you to have a psychiatrist who is familiar with aviation standards. That is because in general, some of the “gold standard” medications for OCD are not FAA-approved. Anafranil, for example, is a medication frequently used to treat OCD.

It’s very effective, but it is not FAA approved. Fortunately, there are great alternative medications that are approved by the FAA, including several SSRIs.

Effective treatment is out there – your psychiatrist needs to be aware of your specific needs as a pilot.