Which psychological conditions are most prevalent in aviation personnel, and how should they be managed?

Prevalent Psychological Conditions Among Aviation Personnel

The most common psychological conditions affecting aviation personnel include depression, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. These are classified as common mental health conditions relevant to workplace settings.

Recommended Management Strategies

• Implement programmes delivered by healthcare professionals that focus on improving the likelihood of personnel returning to or staying in work by enhancing understanding of their condition, building confidence, and improving workplace functioning through stress management and self-esteem building.
• Provide access to employer-funded confidential Employee Assistance Programmes offering counselling and advice on work and personal issues, ensuring privacy and anonymity.
• Adopt graded activity approaches that gradually increase activity levels using behavioural techniques, which can be beneficial especially if physical health is also impacted.
• Encourage organisational practices that promote psychological safety, role autonomy, and mental health literacy to support early recognition and management of mental health problems.
• Design jobs and work schedules to balance demands and control, allowing flexibility and employee involvement in role design to reduce stress and support mental wellbeing.
• Ensure managers and organisations regularly monitor and evaluate the impact of health and wellbeing initiatives, providing timely support and addressing any gaps in competencies.

These strategies align with NICE guidelines on workplace health and mental wellbeing, aiming to support aviation personnel in managing common psychological conditions effectively within their work environment.

¹,²,³