What is the Goldwater rule and why is it important?

The Goldwater rule is Section 7 in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Principles of Medical Ethics, which states that psychiatrists have a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to the improvement of the community and the betterment of public health, but they should not give a professional …

Is talking to a psychiatrist confidential?

Is Therapy Confidential? In almost every instance, therapy is absolutely confidential. You therapist is required to maintain confidentiality about everything said in sessions between the two of you, just like a doctor is required to keep your records private.

Do mental health professionals have mental health issues?

But, the fact is mental health professionals are also human beings and are not immune to psychiatric illnesses, frustrations, stress, guilt, fear, anxiety and depression. Mental health professionals also face a similar kind of situation in their family and immediate society.

What are the exceptions to confidentiality?

Most of the mandatory exceptions to confidentiality are well known and understood. They include reporting child, elder and dependent adult abuse, and the so-called “duty to protect.” However, there are other, lesserknown exceptions also required by law. Each will be presented in turn.

Do you need a mental health exam to run for President?

Presidents and candidates seeking election to the White House are not required to pass mental health exams or psychological and psychiatric evaluations. The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution allows members of a president’s cabinet or Congress to remove a president from office if he is mentally or physically unable to serve.

Can a psychiatrist talk to the public about his/her experience?

On occasion psychiatrists are asked for an opinion about an individual who is in the light of public attention or who has disclosed information about himself/herself through public media. In such circumstances, a psychiatrist may share with the public his or her expertise about psychiatric issues in general.

Can Psychiatrists give opinions on public figures?

Goldwater won the suit, and ever since the media has followed what is known as the “Goldwater rule,” which says that psychiatrists should not offer professional opinions on public figures unless they have personally examined them.

Who decides if a sitting president has a health problem?

So if there’s no mechanism in place by which an independent panel of health experts is able to evaluate a sitting president, who decides when there might be a problem with his decision-making process? The president himself, which is the problem.