CDME Module 7: Psychological-Handouts for Recording and Forms

Handouts for Recording and Forms

Pdf Summary

This document is Module 7 of an online training program for Commercial Driver Medical Examiners (CDMEs) on determining the medical fitness of commercial drivers. The module focuses on psychological disorders and their impact on commercial driving. It is led by Natalie Hartenbaum, the Program Director for CDME Online Training.<br /><br />The module covers various topics related to psychological disorders, including regulatory guidelines, examination techniques, and recommendations for certification. It emphasizes the importance of assessing mental health during driver examinations and the potential risks associated with psychiatric disorders.<br /><br />The module provides guidance on conducting thorough examinations, including asking drivers about their mental health history, symptoms, and medication use. It also highlights specific disorders like adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. For each disorder, the module outlines the certification criteria and potential disqualifying factors.<br /><br />The module emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of drivers with psychological disorders and the importance of considering the side effects and interactions of medication. It recommends regular mental health evaluations for drivers with major mood disorders and advises reporting any major depressive or manic episodes to employers and healthcare professionals.<br /><br />The module also discusses the use of antidepressants, lithium, and CNS stimulants in commercial drivers, providing specific criteria for certification or disqualification based on these medications.<br /><br />Overall, the module aims to provide CDMEs with the necessary knowledge and tools to assess the psychological fitness of commercial drivers and make informed certification decisions. It emphasizes the importance of considering both the symptoms of the disorder and the potential impacts of medication on safe driving.

Keywords

Commercial Driver Medical Examiners

psychological disorders

medical fitness

commercial driving

regulatory guidelines

examination techniques

certification recommendations

mental health assessment

psychiatric disorders

medication use