Mental health of politicians

Posted on 9 months ago

Dr. Sa’ad B. Malik
I must confess that, until recently, the sight of politicians snarling and shouting at each other on TV talk shows was a source of amusement for me, especially after a long day at work dealing with problems of human mind as Head of Psychiartitry Departments of Jinnah Hospital and Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore.
Of late, however, this despicable display has not only become a revolting sight but made me seriously think about the mental health of our politicians. These men and women happen to occupy positions where important matters regarding the destiny of the country are discussed. Therefore, needless to say that their mental health is of crucial importance as their decisions gravely affect the interest of the people they claim to represent.
It may be of interest to know that as many as seven US presidents were judged to be mentally ill while in office between 1906 & 2006. In the UK, some historical figures like) British prime ministers; Winston Churchill and Anthony Eden were at times in a poor mental state while taking decisions regarding not only fate of Britain but the world at large.
But let us focus on the Pakistani front. Have a look at the following traits and see how many appear to be true for a typical Pakistani politician. Most people I have interviewed, described these as an accurate description of a Pakistani Politician:
• Glib & Superficial • impulsive • Egocentric • having poor behavior • Lacking remorse or guilt • lacking sense of responsibility • Deceitful & manipulative • having a need for excitement • Lacking empathy • displaying antisocial behavior and Having shallow emotions
Now comes the alarming bit!
These traits constitute a list of symptoms used by psychiatrists to diagnose psychopathic personalities. In other words, these traits are typical not only for Pakistani politicians but also for psychopaths. Does this suggest that we indeed may be ruled by people with psychopathic qualities and may explain why we are where we are.
In my analysis, to become a politician in Pakistan the following recipe is required:
• Collect together an ample amount of the following three ingredients:
a) Plenty of money
b) Plenty of time
c) Plenty of power (as feudal lords, rich businessmen or any comparable status)
Mix these together and add the following: a) An insatiable hunger to accumulate more and more wealth at all cost
b) Exhibit an excessive though false self confidence
c) Loose contact with reality d) Resort to impulsive acts in the guise of “national interest� • Let the above simmer and finally add a tiny amount of emotional stability and a sprinkle of morality.
The Pakistani politician is ready to serve the country.
I have often wondered whether these politicians truly “represent�, the impoverished and hapless masses. Do they really know what, hunger, disease and poverty is. Have they ever travelled by available public transport or visited a public hospital as an ordinary patient or stood in long queue in sweltering heat to pay utility bills or spent a restless night tossing and turning in bed trying to cope with the ravages of load shedding and still waking up to go to work the next day.
Compare this situation with the image of a male politician in our country. It is that of an arrogant, ego inflated individual wearing a starched Shalwar suit with a waistcoat (unless of course, he becomes a prime minister when he puts on designer suits) carrying at least two mobile phones, riding a vehicle of inestimable cost escorted by armed guards, often seen engaged in verbal brawls, frothing at the mouth, on TV talk shows. One of the two words they must constantly repeat every few minutes is either “Islam� or “Awam�. They see the world through tainted filters as a place self glorification. They worship the gods of power and wealth.
If the armed forces place so much emphasis on the psychological assessment of the men they recruit for future responsibility, why are the politicians permitted to play with the destiny of millions of people without going through a prior psychological screening. It was Plato who uttered the famous words to the effect that when a shoe is broken one goes to the cobbler who is skilled in his job but when it comes to the matter of running a state any fool seems fit for it.
I have always taught my students that suffering from a mental disorder is far more serious than having a physical illness because of the possible far-reaching disastrous consequences. If one suffers from a physical disorder viz diabetes, hypertension, etc. one suffers alone, but with a mental disorders, it is not only the patient but the entire family and at times even the neighbours are disturbed by it. And if the patient happens to be holding a public office, God help those who come into contact with him/her. One can also well imagine the catastrophic outcome if the patient happens to be a politician and is further elevated to an important post.
As Pakistanis we have produced remarkable professionals in the field of medicine, engineering, sports and IT, etc. but as for politicians, with a few exceptions, we have only produced power hungry, manipulative and deceitful individuals. In psychiatry we call such people: “Psychopaths�.
Every politician of this country should heed the warning with which Rudyard Kipling reprimanded a friend of his:
“Some day you will indeed meet a man who cares for none of these things: money, position, glory. Then you will know how poor you are�
saadmalik-15@hotmail.com
comments powered by Disqus