Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Isabella Owen, Sophomore Aidan Roach, Micah Henry, Casey Tressler
Lead Presenter's Name
Isabella Owen
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Emel Sen Kilic
Abstract
Many aviators who are prescribed serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to treat mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder must halt their duties for a set amount of time. This is due to aviation authorities having data that suggests SNRIs and SSRIs lead to inhibitions in mental processes that can cause crashes or death. Most of the research that has been conducted examined the effects of SSRIs on individuals without mental health disorders in non-flight settings. This study will explore the effect SNRIs have on a pilot’s reaction time in simulated flight. The findings could inform aerospace medical certification policies, mental health treatments for pilots, and broader safety discussions regarding the use of SNRIs and SSRIs in aviation.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Aerospace Medicine Commons, Cognition and Perception Commons, Medical Pharmacology Commons
The Effect of SNRIs on Pilot Reaction Time in Simulated Flight
Many aviators who are prescribed serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to treat mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder must halt their duties for a set amount of time. This is due to aviation authorities having data that suggests SNRIs and SSRIs lead to inhibitions in mental processes that can cause crashes or death. Most of the research that has been conducted examined the effects of SSRIs on individuals without mental health disorders in non-flight settings. This study will explore the effect SNRIs have on a pilot’s reaction time in simulated flight. The findings could inform aerospace medical certification policies, mental health treatments for pilots, and broader safety discussions regarding the use of SNRIs and SSRIs in aviation.