An anonymous survey of airline pilots sheds light on the risk of depression

Data on depression rates among pilots have been hard to come by, but a newstudythat surveyed active pilots found that nearly 13 percent met the threshold for depression and about a third as many reported having suicidal thoughts.Why it matters:The 2015 crash of Germanwings Flight 9525, which was caused intentionally by a co-pilot who had undergone treatment forsuicidal tendencies, killed all 150 people on board and sparked a conversation about mental health among pilots.This study, published in the journal Environmental Health, is the first to examine the mental health of airline pilots outside the context of a crash investigation, regulator-mandated health exam, or identifiable self-reports. Its thought that pilots are extremely reluctant to seek mental health treatment given the stigma and professional implications mental illness holds in the industry.Our results should not be surprising, said Joseph Allen, an assistant professor of exposure assessment science at Harvard and the studys senior author. The idea that pilots can be susceptible to mental health issues just like the rest of us should not be shocking. Unlike the rest of us, though, not all pilots have the ability to seek treatment or counseling due to fear of repercussions.The nitty gritty:The researchers collected 1,837 anonymous survey responses from airline pilots around the world, whom they solicited with emails and advertisements through pilot unions, professional groups, and aviation publications. The survey covered various work and health topics, andincluded several questions that called onspecialized pilot knowledge, to confirm that the volunteerswere indeed pilots.They evaluated participants likelihood of depression based on nine questions often used in clinical settings, and additionally asked if participants had ever been diagnosed with depression or sleep disorder.They found that while only 3.1 percent of pilots had been diagnosed with depression, nearly 13 percent met the threshold fora depression diagnosis. That rate is on par with other stressful occupations, including military personnel and police officers, but is abouttwice as highas the general US population. Depression was at higher levels among pilots who use sleep-aid medication and pilots experiencing sexual or verbal harassment.Researchers also found that 4.1 of pilots reported having thoughts of being better off dead or self-harm within the past two weeks.You should know:In light of the studys release, Allen said he hopes airlines can create an environment in which pilots feel more comfortable coming forward to seek treatment.And, Allen emphasized, the new findings, while informative about pilots mental health, shouldnt change passengers confidence in flying.Flying is the safest form of transportation, and this study doesnt change that, Allen said. The Germanwings pilot wasnt just suicidal. He was homicidal. I think its critical the flying public hears that.Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: The 3 worst things you do when you wash your face ' according to a dermatologist
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