Margaret McCartney: The prurient interest in Trump and Clinton's health.

Mere weeks before the US presidential election a petition, #DiagnoseTrump, is calling for more information about the Republican candidate’s health because he “appears to exhibit all the symptoms of the mental disorder narcissistic personality disorder.” It goes on, “Mental health professionals need to come forward and urge the Republican Party to insist that their nominee has an evaluation to determine his mental fitness for the job.” People are asked to sign if they think that Donald Trump exhibits the criteria necessary to fulfil the diagnosis listed in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The Atlantic, a USmagazine, published an evaluation of Trump, written by a psychology professor who drew firm conclusions despite Trump having “declined to be interviewed.” Is this OK? Of course not, and the American Psychiatric Association’s “Goldwater rule” makes clear that professionals should not offer public opinions on people they have not personally examined. US presidential elections are extraordinary affairs, particularly where medicine and politics intersect. Both would-be presidents have published letters from their doctors stating that they are fit for office. Hillary Clinton’s says that she is in “excellent health” and has had several tests, including non-evidenced screening such as breast ultrasound and “gynaecologic exam.” It details her medical and family history in a way that I find gruesomely intrusive. Trump, meanwhile, has released a medical report claiming that his test results are “astonishingly excellent,” that he has “extraordinary” physical strength and stamina, and that his doctor “can state, unequivocally” that, if elected president, “he will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.” It’s hilarious—but it’s also bizarre. Has Dr Bornstein, the author of Trump’s missive, really compared the medical notes and muscular biceps of all US presidents ever? Despite this, it’s not right that thousands of members of the public, and several mental health professionals who have never seen him, are suggesting that Trump has a clinical diagnosis in need of documenting. Will people then vote on whether they think Trump psychiatrically fit? I suspect that most citizens lack evidence based information about what conditions lead to risk, and when. Stigma is alive and, sadly, well.