Reason for the Proposed Addition/History
A Dangerous Psychiatric Epidemic
Trump Derangement Syndrome is not simply a pejorative label to be thrust at those whose politics one disagrees with, nor is it simply a media catchphrase. It’s a dangerous psychiatric epidemic threatening the mental health of Americans and the stability of the country. While political obsession is not new, the sheer volume, breadth, intensity and consequences of anti-Trump behavior suggest a distinct and escalating syndrome worthy of clinical attention.
This Proposal is submitted for consideration as a change to DSM-5 and/or an addition to DSM-6, as a formal recognition of a psychological disorder which is increasing in incidence, prevalence and severity. While diagnoses of a political nature have not been included in the DSM heretofore, Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) represents much more than politics. Indeed, it is the replacement of thoughtful political introspection about ideas by over-the-top emotional reactivity to the presence of one man, Donald Trump. It is a maladaptive, clinically identifiable syndrome, ranging from cognitive distortion to dangerous behavior.
Existence of TDS Cannot Be Questioned
Trump Derangement Syndrome has existed for over a decade and has increased in intensity from Donald Trump’s first term as President to today, though it has not been previously defined and proposed with Diagnostic Criteria and Treatment Recommendations until this current Proposal. Since the existence of TDS cannot be questioned, and since those who exhibit this syndrome need psychiatric treatment, it is being formally proposed here. A more generic version of this diagnosis could also be considered for inclusion in the DSM, so that it could be applied to future presidential candidates, i.e., ‘President Derangement Syndrome’ or ‘Politician Derangement Syndrome’, or even public figures in general, if any were to arouse similar ‘derangement’.
In 2003, American psychiatrist and political columnist, Charles Krauthammer, mentioned the term ‘Bush Derangement Syndrome’ in his Washington Post column, to describe "the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal people in reaction to the policies, the presidency—nay—the very existence of George W. Bush.” Though this is a limited description, and perhaps somewhat tongue in cheek, the term was meant to express a belief that some extreme criticisms of Bush are of emotional origin rather than based in fact or logic. Later, there were also some hints of ‘Obama Derangement Syndrome’, but it never really caught on in popular usage. Trump Derangement Syndrome is similar, but, far more serious and far more prevalent than either ‘Bush Derangement Syndrome’ or ‘Obama Derangement Syndrome’ ever were.
Great care has been taken in this Proposal to distinguish between psychopathology and simple differences of political opinion. The Proposal takes into serious consideration the danger of limiting freedom of speech and of weaponizing psychiatric labels against politicians.