Trump is now dangerous that makes his mental health a matter of public interest Bandy Lee

[turbinetree]

Eight months ago, a group of us put our concerns into a book, The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President. It became an instant bestseller, depleting bookstores within days. We thus discovered that our endeavours resonated with the public.

While we keep within the letter of the Goldwater rule – which prohibits psychiatrists from diagnosing public figures without a personal examination and without consent – there is still a lot that mental health professionals can tell before the public reaches awareness. These come from observations of a person’s patterns of responses, of media appearances over time, and from reports of those close to him. Indeed, we know far more about Trump in this regard than many, if not most, of our patients. Nevertheless, the personal health of a public figure is her private affair – until, that is, it becomes a threat to public health.

To make a diagnosis one needs all the relevant information – including, I believe, a personal interview. But to assess dangerousness, one only needs enough information to raise alarms. It is about the situation rather than the person. The same person may not be a danger in a different situation, while a diagnosis stays with the person.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/07/donald-trump-dangerous-psychiatrist

[handmade34]

1. "It is about the situation rather than the person"

yes, DT can be as crazy as he wants in private, but we are talking my future, my kids future, our Country, the Environment... he should be formally assessed by physicians...

[janterry]

2. I suppose at his upcoming physical

The MD could write an involuntary commitment order. That would be really interesting.

[Irish_Dem]

3. Most MDs are not trained to make psych diagnoses.

Trump would have to be referred out for a psych eval.

[janterry]

4. any md could find him dangerous to self or others

no dx necessary (when someone is sectioned/pink papered - whatever it is called in DC) - the MD is asking for a three day hold while a team evaluates.

This would never happen....and even if it did, the psychiatric team would fold faster than 3 minutes (they don't have to hold you three days, they can do an intake eval and let you walk)

But, it's nice to think about......

[Irish_Dem]

5. It is not easy to pink slip someone. The patient has to make a clear, specific threat to self/others

I have not heard that Trump has made threats of suicide or specific clear death threats to others.

I have been following reports of Trump's mental status quite closely and have not read anything
that indicates he is eligible for an involuntary psych hospitalization.

That said, I have also been stating for some time that I believe he is potentially dangerous
to the country and will continue to deteriorate as the stress mounts. And will become
more aggressive as he feels cornered. However you cannot pink slip someone for this.

[janterry]

6. I agree

But I read what Bandy Lee is writing and now saying.....with interest. IDK. She is making that case.....................

[Irish_Dem]

8. Making the case for impeachment is different from pink slip.

Yes mental health professionals keep warning the public, but no one seems to be listening.

[loyalsister]

7. This is so desperate

I'm glad Tom Eagleton isn't here to see Democrats devolve into the same bigoted pool republicans swam in when he was the nominee. There are more than enough problems with his behavior without desperately searching for a Dx. The fact that he shows little interest despite having massive responsibility.