This is for all the medical and mental health professionals here at DU.

[ShazzieB]

I ran across this while researching the rumors about Trump possibly (probably?) suffering from dementia:

We diagnose Trump with probable dementia: A petition for licensed professionals only

Why this petition matters

Started by
John Gartner Ph​.​D.

We, the undersigned licensed medical and mental health professionals (INCLUDE YOUR ADVANCED DEGREE IN YOUR LAST NAME WITH NO PUNCTUATION), have a high level of confidence that Donald Trump is showing unmistakable signs of moderate to advanced dementia based on his public behavior and informant reports that show progressive deterioration in memory, thinking, ability to use language, behavior, and both gross and fine motor skills.

*snip*

Lots more here: https://www.change.org/p/we-diagnose-trump-with-probable-dementia-a-petition-for-licensed-professionals-only

I don't have the specified credentials to sign this, but I thought I'd share it so those who do can decide if you'd like to sign it and/or share it with colleagues.

It's not clear who this petition aims to convince, but I found it to be very interesting reading, and the statements from individual signers to be even more fascinating. These statements are also reassuring to me, as an indication that there are a great many smart, dedicated health care professionals in this country who see how profoundly messed up that guy is and want to warn others.

[elleng]

1. IMO, dementia's no big deal, re: tmp;

some psychopathology is. See Dr. Bandy Lee. AND Mary Trump.

[ShazzieB]

2. I suspect a mix of both.

The underlying psychopathology has always been there, for sure. But he seems to be doing an increasing amount of things like mixing up people and events, mispronouncing familiar words, and using made up ones. Not just once in a while, but just about everyday.

I'm not qualified to determine what all is going on with him, but imo, it doesn't look good.

[elleng]

3. Yes, he does seem to be doing an increasing amount of those things.

[H2O Man]

4. Comorbidity/

When a person has -- at the same time -- two or more diseases or medical conditions. This is of most concern when there is synergy involvong the diseases/conditions.

A forgetful sociopath isn't a safe choice for a leader. Just my opinion.

[lindysalsagal]

7. Psychopath, sociopath, traitor, it all fits. Rhis is good news.

If it becomes "a story" the news can broadcast it.

[H2O Man]

13. A question .....

I'm asking because I respect your opinion. Will the media broadcast it? This is just my impression, but it seems like the mainstream media was largely reporting "Biden looks old" up to the SOTU, but ignores the majority of the defendant's screw-ups. It seems like the late night comedians provide better coverage of the defendant's meltdowns.

Note: I might be sensitive about the "looks old" bit, due to the image that appears in my mirror mornings. Also, becayse I remember when the news blacklisted Dr. Bandy Lee for telling the truth. In my opinion, she is an American hero if any exists.

Thanks!

[live love laugh]

5. Seems unprofessional to openly diagnose someone esp. when they aren't a patient.

[ShazzieB]

6. The petition isn't diagnosing him.

It's calling attention to troubling signs that need to be looked at. I see nothing wrong with that.

[limbicnuminousity]

10. Seems like self-preservation.

and a community service since the highest office in the land is involved. I'm more concerned about the medical ethics of whoever loaded the Trump White House up with drugs. If Ronny Jackson did his job and reported that Trump was a raving lunatic during his annual exams, too, it wouldn't be necessary for concerned citizens to point out the obvious mental decline of the rapist.

[lindysalsagal]

8. I sent it to rachel

[nolabear]

9. As a professional I can't do it. Not because I don't believe it

but a formal diagnosis is a serious thing and should not be done without examining the patient and in the case of dementia performing appropriate tests. I have lots of opinions about his pathologies but I wouldn’t want anyone diagnosing me without ever having seen me.

[limbicnuminousity]

11. Curious...

you wouldn't feel comfortable saying "probable dementia?" Not agreeing to a formal diagnosis of dementia without seeing a patient is understandable. But you've probably seen more of Trump in the media than you've seen of some patients. You think "probable" is still a bridge too far?

Just curious, not debating.

[nolabear]

14. Yeah I thought about that.

I’m still not comfortable. I might be with “possible” and recommend a thorough exam. The difference with seeing someone in media is there’s a great deal you don’t see. There needs to be a framework to work in, just as with any study. You need to know what else is there influencing responses as much as possible and what’s not there. I appreciate the call for questioning what we see but that’s the beginning of a process, not the end.

[rubbersole]

12. Katie Britt sees and hears you...

in your kitchen...

(Your comment is very professional. And ethical.)

[nolabear]

15. LOL! She's a whole 'nother animal.

I cannot for the life of me understand why she thought that would be a good idea. It’s a pretty good indicator what she thinks of the rest of us simple type folk.