2016 Campaign Shines Spotlight On Ethical Morass Of Diagnosing Public Figures

The American Psychiatric Association holds firm to the Goldwater Rule that if a psychiatrist hasn't performed an in-person evaluation, he or she should keep quiet on the mental character of public figures. But others in the industry think there needs to be a way to convey that someone has crossed the line.

Earlier this week the American Psychiatric Association cautioned psychiatrists against taking part in a feverish new national hobby. Catching Pokémon wasn't mentioned. Psychoanalyzing Donald Trump was. On the organization's website APA president Maria A. Oquendo wrote: "The unique atmosphere of this year's election cycle may lead some to want to psychoanalyze the candidates, but to do so would not only be unethical, it would be irresponsible." (Stetka, 8/13)

In other 2016 election news —

Planned Parenthood Votes is going up with $1.1 million in television ads targeting Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey for his opposition to abortion. The ad features Toomey, in a 2010 interview with Chris Matthews, saying that he would support a state law banning abortion and criminal penalties for physicians who perform them. (Haberkorn, 8/15)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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