The Goldwater Rule is a statement of ethics first issued by the American Psychiatric Association in 1973 restraining psychiatrists from speculating about the mental state of public figures. The rule enjoins psychiatrists from professionally diagnosing someone they have not personally evaluated. The APA’s Ethics Committee affirmed and even expanded the rule beyond diagnosis to cover almost all psyc
What Is Goldwater Rule? (Plain Language Explanation)
Goldwater Rule refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Goldwater Rule
- Symptoms: The specific ways goldwater rule shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen goldwater rule
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When goldwater rule occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Goldwater Rule
- Goldwater Rule is far more common than most people realize
- Goldwater Rule is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with goldwater rule see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about goldwater rule is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing goldwater rule, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.