Expert: AA flight attendants under major stress

(CBS NEWS) DALLAS - An apparent breakdown by a flight attendant who had to be physically restrained by passengers is calling attention to how flight crews handle stress.

Passengers on board Friday's American Airlines flight from Dallas/Fort Worth International to Chicago described hearing their flight attendant's frightening tirade as the plane was preparing for take-off - speaking of 9/11, her medical condition, and the likelihood that the plane might crash.

Flight attendant restrained after 9/11 rant
Video" Passengers describe flight attendant's rant

Luann Webber recalled to CBS Station KTVT that the flight attendant remarked, "Oh, I forgot to take my meds."

"She was in a manic state; she mentioned things about being bipolar," said passenger Brad LeClair.

Aviation expert Denny Kelly said unless her psychological issue was obvious, the airline was likely unaware.

"The pilots have very stringent physical requirements; the flight attendants really have none," Kelly told KTVT correspondent Andrea Lucia.

Kelly said the FAA does not require any psychological testing for flight attendants, who can deal with stressful situations in the air. "Number one reason they're there is safety," he said.

With American Airlines in bankruptcy negotiations, though, the stress on employees may only be growing.

Kelly described the conversation among American employees these days as primarily, "What's going to happen to me? What's going to happen to the company?"

Travelers at DFW were skeptical that pressure about the carrier's future played a significant role in Friday's incident.

"She wasn't too excited about what was happening with American Airlines, that was my first thought," said passenger Robert Smith.