Diagnosis and treatment of psychotic disorders in aircrews and aeromedical assessment

Objective To provide reference for the diagnosis, treatment and medical assessment of psychotic disorders in aircrews by summarizing the clinical data of psychotic disorders in aircrews. Methods Retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 126 cases of the aircrews with psychotic disorders and relevant literature review were done. The disorders were classified by the third edition Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disorders. The medical identification was made in accordance with the Physical Examination Standards of Air Force Flight Personnel (1996), and referred to the relevant standards of the United States. Results In 126 aircrew cases with psychotic disorders, there were 63 cases with hysteria, stress-related disorders, and neurosis. There were 54 cases with mood disorders. There were 9 cases with the insomnia due to physiological disorders related psychological factors. The conclusion of medical assessment: 18 cases were qualified, 29 cases were temporary grounding, and 79 cases were disqualified. Conclusions There are many kinds of psychotic disorders in aircrews. Diagnosis and treatment have certain particularities. The medical identification should be in accordance with the physical examination standard of Air Force flight personnel and take the waiver standards of foreign flight personnel identification as reference. Moreover, the type of aircraft, post of flight, flight experience and personal intention, as well as the needs of army are suggested to be the concerns in medical identification. Key words: Mental disorders; Eligibility determination; Retrospective studies; Aircrews