It is possible for bipolar disorder patients to travel without difficulty but there is always the possibility of dangerous incidents resulting from the illness at any point during air travel. This can be a serious danger to the other travelers and crew of the aircraft while on the plane. It is important that the cabin crew be especially well informed as to how to deal with mentally ill patients during flights.
Mental illness incidents are rarely reported during air travel but that does not make them less of a safety threat. In extreme cases, the pilots may be forced to land the plane as an emergency measure which causes great difficulty to the passengers and crew. Unexplained behavior can result in incarceration and legal woes for the bipolar patient. It is important to have someone on board who is aware of the illness and able to help the patient if there is trouble during the flight.
Reasons for Manic Behavior on Flights
Bipolar depression is an illness that causes extreme, swift mood swings. This is especially true in stressful and unfamiliar situations. Chances for a mood swing increase during the stresses of air travel. These causes can include :
The change in routine that is flying can increase stress, especially for bipolar disorder patients, this can upset the patient and cause a mood swing causing danger to the other passengers.
Being unused to crowded areas, bipolar disorder patients can become confused and stressed before they even enter the airplane. Not knowing how to handle the various situations of travel can panic the patient and lead to possible violence.
Risk Factors for Bipolar Patients on Airplanes
The patient will be wholly incapable of controlling any behavior during a manic episode. Manic episodes result in a loss of touch with reality and can include hallucinations, strange speech patterns and irritability which can result in violence. This can lead to security problems on the airplane such as:
The patient can feel trapped and attempt to escape the airplane in-flight by opening the emergency door.
The erratic behavior can lead to a need to control the patient physically and possibly restrain the individual.
The patient or other passengers can insist on an emergency landing.
A violent confrontation can occur between the patient and any crew or other passengers.
The patient can become delusional about leaving the aircraft and refuse to exit.
Dealing with Bipolar Depression on the Airplane
There is know surefire way to handle every psychiatric situation which is why it is important for airline staff to be trained to recognize and handle such situations. It is important that the patient inform some member of the crew about their bipolar disorder in case of a relapse during flight. This will allow the staff to work to relieve any situation by:
Talking the patient down out of their acute manic state and possibly giving any prescribed medication.
Get help from any medical professionals that may be on the flight.
Restrain the patient or remove them from the stimulus.
Remove possible weapons from the patient and keep all things that are not connected to the seats out of reach for the sake of safety.
