Politics, Psychiatry, and Psychoanalysis

Ethics and Morality

An Interview With Myself: Trump and the Goldwater Rule

John Martin-Joy M.D. on October 8, 2020

Has the Goldwater Rule prevented concerned psychiatrists from speaking out? The author of the newly published "Diagnosing From a Distance" asks himself to comment.

Has the Goldwater Rule prevented concerned psychiatrists from speaking out? The author of the newly published "Diagnosing From a Distance" asks himself to comment.

President Donald Trump

Donald Trump and the 25th Amendment: How Would It Work?

John Martin-Joy M.D. on October 7, 2020

Delirium? Dementia? Mania? Experts consider how the 25th Amendment might play out.

Delirium? Dementia? Mania? Experts consider how the 25th Amendment might play out.

President Donald Trump

Donald Trump and the 25th Amendment: Time to Invoke It?

John Martin-Joy M.D. on October 6, 2020

As Trump tests positive for COVID-19, questions emerge again about invoking the 25th Amendment.

As Trump tests positive for COVID-19, questions emerge again about invoking the 25th Amendment.

How Will Kamala Harris Do in the Vice Presidential Debate? A Personality Psychologist Makes a Prediction.

President Donald Trump

Donald Trump's Personality: "The Great Disrupter"?

John Martin-Joy M.D. on October 1, 2020

Trump, many believe, was disruptive in the first presidential debate. Here's how experts have grappled with what they call his "disruptive personality."

Trump, many believe, was disruptive in the first presidential debate. Here's how experts have grappled with what they call his "disruptive personality."

On the eve of tonight debate, what is Biden's mental state and personality? Experts have opinions.

President Donald Trump

Donald Trump and His Followers: Are They a Cult?

John Martin-Joy M.D. on September 27, 2020

Is Trumpism a cult? At least one psychiatrist thinks there is a case to be made.

Is Trumpism a cult? At least one psychiatrist thinks there is a case to be made.

Personality

The Man From Hope: Profiling Bill Clinton

John Martin-Joy M.D. on September 26, 2020

Trying to understand an outsized presidential personality? Here's how mental health professionals sized up Bill Clinton.

Trying to understand an outsized presidential personality? Here's how mental health professionals sized up Bill Clinton.

Health

Reagan on Dukakis: "I'm Not Going to Pick on an Invalid"

John Martin-Joy M.D. on September 20, 2020

How a president used psychological stigma for political advantage.

How a president used psychological stigma for political advantage.

Psychoanalysis

The Abuse of Profiling: Nixon, Ellsberg, and the CIA

John Martin-Joy M.D. on September 13, 2020

How Richard Nixon misused psychiatry and the CIA.

How Richard Nixon misused psychiatry and the CIA.

Psychiatric comment from a distance: How LBJ dealt with a political threat.

Psychoanalysis

An Alternative to the Goldwater Rule

John Martin-Joy M.D. on August 25, 2020

As Donald Trump and the Republicans hold their virtual convention, is it ethical for mental health experts to speak out?

As Donald Trump and the Republicans hold their virtual convention, is it ethical for mental health experts to speak out?

Ethics and Morality

"A Strong Statement": The APA Adopts the Goldwater Rule

John Martin-Joy M.D. on August 18, 2020

In 1964, some psychiatrists commented on a candidate, but the APA objected—and still does.

In 1964, some psychiatrists commented on a candidate, but the APA objected—and still does.

Psychoanalysis

Fact Magazine Takes on Barry Goldwater

John Martin-Joy M.D. on August 11, 2020

Should journalists and psychiatrists be able to discuss the mental health of presidential candidates?

Should journalists and psychiatrists be able to discuss the mental health of presidential candidates?

Leadership

The CIA: Manipulating Soviet Leadership Through Psychology

John Martin-Joy M.D. on August 4, 2020

Think Vladimir Putin was the first Russian leader to be profiled by the CIA? Think again.

Think Vladimir Putin was the first Russian leader to be profiled by the CIA? Think again.

Psychoanalysis

Erik Erikson: A Psychoanalyst Looks at Hitler

John Martin-Joy M.D. on July 28, 2020

As psychiatrists comment on Donald Trump, it's not the first time professionals have been concerned about tyranny. How Erik Erikson addressed the rise of Adolf Hitler.

As psychiatrists comment on Donald Trump, it's not the first time professionals have been concerned about tyranny. How Erik Erikson addressed the rise of Adolf Hitler.