Psychiatry and politicians: the ‘hubris syndrome’. (2011)

“Lord Owen has provided psychiatrists and other physicians with useful guidance on how to recognise the appearance of hubris syndrome in persons who hold positions of power. He has also provided advice to doctors caring for such persons.

Gerald Russell, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, and Consultant Psychiatrist at the Priory Hospital Hayes Grove, Hayes, Kent.

The Psychiatrist, April 2011

Lord Owen has alerted us to the dangers of ill health in heads of government, especially if they strive to keep their illnesses secret. The description of the hubris syndrome is still at an early stage but Owen has provided psychiatrists and other physicians with useful guidance on how to recognise its appearance in persons who hold positions of power. He has also provided advice to doctors caring for such persons.

Lord Owen’s own extensive writings on hubris syndrome and an afterword to this particular paper can be found on his personal website: www.lorddavidowen.co.uk

The full paper can be downloaded here.