SSRI

[greghomd]

For a DOT physical, is a psychiatric evaluation always required before qualifying someone who takes an SSRI? Also, when is neurocognitive testing recommended?

[Robert Swotinsky MD]

My experience is that a psychiatric evaluation and neurocognitive testing are not standard practices as part of DOT physical with respect to patients who take SSRIs.

It is also noteworthy that SSRIs are often prescribed by PCPs in the absence of a documented psychiatric diagnosis.