Political Psychiatry: The Psychiatrist in Elective Public Office

The author attempts to show that elected public officials encounter numerous opportunities for action favoring the prevention of psychiatric disorders and the promotion of mental vigor. He demonstrates that preventive measures are compatible with and usually exemplify discharging the duties of public office thoroughly and effectively. The observations of the author, a psychiatrist who was elected to the school committee in his town, are made from first-hand experience and might be viewed as representing a political microcosm.