The Goldwater Rule or Not, Our Country Needs Psychiatry

Psychiatric Times October 9, 2024
H. Steven Moffic, MD

Key Takeaways

• The Goldwater Rule restricts psychiatrists from diagnosing public figures without examination, sparking ongoing debate about its ethical implications.
• The rule’s relevance resurfaced during Donald Trump’s presidency, highlighting the tension between ethical guidelines and societal responsibility.
• Some psychiatrists argue for informed public commentary on societal issues, balancing ethical guidelines with broader societal responsibilities.
• The psychiatric community faces a complex challenge in navigating ethical responsibilities and societal engagement.

COMMENTARY

Practicing psychiatry is both a pleasure and a privilege, and it should go beyond our patient interactions. In fact, the preamble to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) ethical principles, which are based on the American Medical Association principles, lists our secondary ethical priorities to be colleagues, self, and society.¹

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