Meet Barry Goldwater.
Back in 1964, he was nominated to run for the presidency of the United States of America.
One week after his nomination, a magazine sent a questionnaire to all of the USA’s
12,356 psychiatrists asking, “Do you believe Barry Goldwater is psychologically fit to
serve as President of the United States?”
Of the 2,417 psychiatrists that responded, 571 said no-comment, 657 said yes, he’s
fit to be president and… 1,189 said he was not psychologically fit.
One month before the election “FACT” magazine published a special issue on the mind of Barry
Goldwater.
He was described as impulsive, unstable, very dangerous, a megalomaniac and suffering from
chronic psychosis.
Then he lost the election to another guy, Lyndon Baines Johnson.
For Goldwater, it was bad news bears
Of course lots of factors contributed to the outcome, but of the psychiatrists that responded;
none had examined Goldwater and none had his permission to publicly comment on his mental
health.
So Mr Goldwater sued the magazine for defamation.
In response to the whole situation, the American Psychiatric Association created The Goldwater
Rule -- When psychiatrists are asked about an individual, it’s unethical to offer a
professional opinion unless they have examined that individual and have authorization to
talk about them.
Some psychiatrists were happy that it maintained their professional ethics; others thought
it restricted free speech.
The balance can be tricky.
When events occur, from Charlie Sheen going to rehab to global tragedies, the media seeks
comments from experts.
A recent study looked at the work of psychiatrists in the media and distinguished different roles.
For example, clinicians who provide private treatment, teachers who do great work using
facts to educate the public about mental illness.
And celebrity commentators, who express opinions about public figures.
But for those of us who just like to watch and read things, often these roles blur and
people just see one person - an expert.
In 2011 market research found that Dr Oz was the most trusted voice in daytime television.
And a recent study found that 51% of Dr Oz’s medical recommendations had no scientific
backing.
Of that 51%, 35% had no supporting evidence, and 15% went directly against scientific recommendations.
Dr Oz’s recommendations, like how green coffee beans are a magic weight loss cure,
is general advice in a simulated situation.
And as it’s not related to mental health, the Goldwater Rule doesn’t apply.
But giving millions of people unsubstantiated claims about miracle cures is just as ethically
terrible as unsubstantiated claims about an individuals mental health.
The American Medical Association states “It is unethical to engage in or to aid and abet
in treatment which has no scientific basis, is dangerous and is calculated to deceive
the patient by giving false hope.”
But… the AMA can’t enforce any of its rules without the state stepping in.
And the state probably won’t step in because Dr Oz isn’t selling the products he talks
about.
As Barry Goldwater himself said…
“It’s time to put conscience back in all walks of American life.”
Despite the popularity of celebrity commentators and talk show doctors, your own medical professionals
will probably know more about what’s good for you.
Thinking critically may be the best medicine.
And if you don’t already, subscribe to BrainCraft!
I have a new episode out every Thursday.