Description
A review of biographical sources for the first 37 presidents (1776-1974) reveals that about half of those men had been afflicted by a mental illness. Of those, 27% met the psychiatric criteria for mental illness while in office, which could have clearly affected their ability to perform their jobs. Put within that context, the current concerns about today’s sitting president are examined. We will take a closer look at the Goldwater Rule which prohibits professionals from speaking out about the mental health of public figures. The present applicability of that Rule is being debated. The pros and cons of that debate will be examined.