Instead of mental health experts being restricted from commenting on the President's mental health, they should be encouraged to offer their views. Their informed opinions are especially crucial right now, when political commentators, bloggers, and ordinary citizens are circulating frightening armchair diagnoses, and predicting great dangers for America and the world.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are obviously more qualified to make these judgments--even without direct contact with the President. And in rendering opinions and diagnoses based on extensive public information and observation of actual behavior these professionals would not be bound by confidentiality restrictions.
There is too much at stake for mental health experts to be restrained by an outdated principle that is out of step with vast changes in technology and the media.
In an e-mail communication Dr Judith Herman agrees that "in extraordinary situations such as the one we're currently facing, the Goldwater Rule may need to be reconsidered."
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