TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME
Trump Derangement Syndrome, or TDS, is a psychotic disorder characterized by obsessive and irrational negative thoughts and beliefs about Donald J. Trump.
DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES.
The essential elements of Trump Derangement Syndrome are the presence of one or more delusions that persist for at least one month (Criterion A), and a pervasive pattern of bizarre or odd behavior that manifests itself when the individual's delusions are discussed or acted on (Criterion B). A diagnosis of TDS is not given if the individual's symptoms are better explained by another psychotic disorder, the physiological effects of a substance, or another medical condition (Criterion C).
ASSOCIATED FEATURES SUPPORTING DIAGNOSIS.
Social, marital, or work problems can result from the delusional beliefs of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Individuals with TDS may be able to factually describe that others view their beliefs as irrational but are unable to accept this themselves. Many individuals develop irritable or dysphoric mood. Anger and violent behavior can occur. The individual may engage in obsessive antagonistic behavior (e.g., posting hundreds of anti-Trump messages on social media). Individuals with TDS frequently tend to be contemptuous of the feelings and rights of others while lacking coping skills themselves (e.g., they are unable to accept the results of an election). They may have an inflated and arrogant self-image and be excessively opinionated. They may also display a superficial charm and can be quite articulate.
FUNCTIONAL CONSEQUENCES.
The functional impairment is usually more circumscribed than that seen with other psychotic disorders, although in some cases, the impairment may be substantial and include poor occupational functioning and social isolation.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA.
For this diagnosis to be given, the individual must be at least 21 years of age.
A. The presence of one (or more) persistent delusions about Donald J. Trump with a duration of one month or longer. Delusions are fixed beliefs that are not amenable to change despite conflicting evidence. Common TDS delusions include but are not limited to:
1. Trump "colluded with the Russians" to "steal the election."
2. Trump is a "puppet of Putin" or is "carrying water for the Kremlin."
3. Trump supporters on social media are "Russian bots."
4. Trump is a "fascist" or "even worse than Hitler."
5. Trump supporters are "Nazis" or "racists" or "bigots" or "white supremacists" or "deplorables."
6. Trump will start World War III.
7. Trump did not "really" win the election due to "Russian hacking" or because Hillary Clinton "won the popular vote."
8. Trump was "not legitimately elected" therefore the November 2016 presidential election must and will be overturned.
B. A pervasive pattern of bizarre or odd behavior that deviates markedly from societal norms, often with disregard for the rights of others, that manifests itself when the individual's delusions are discussed or acted on, and indicated by one (or more) of the following:
1. Obsessive social media posting of anti-Trump messages, articles, polls or memes.
2. Labeling (as in Criterion A, 3&5) or directing problematic, impulsive or aggressive outbursts at anyone challenging delusions.
3. Impaired cognition or intentional dishonesty indicated by one (or more) of the following:
(a) Consistently interpreting Trump-related information and Trump's actions as negative, regardless of the objective reality.
(b) Consistently ascribing unusual significance or credibility to negative Trump-related information, regardless of veracity or source.
(c) Consistently dismissing information that disproves or might disprove a delusion, regardless of veracity or source.
(d) Consistent deceitfulness to support an anti-Trump bias or agenda, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conflating issues (e.g., legal with illegal immigration, nationalism with Nazism).
4. Experiencing the sudden onset of discrete periods of intense fear or terror, often associated with feelings of impending doom, that is triggered by exposure to Trump, his views, or his advocates. These panic attacks are especially acute when triggered by Trump's policies on guns, religion, family, police, military, immigration, the national anthem, and "America First."
5. Bizarre appearance in reaction to Trump (e.g., wearing vagina hats or costumes at anti-Trump rallies).
6. Mood or emotional dysregulation, a core feature of which is severe irritability manifested by frequent temper outbursts and other excessive or inappropriate behaviors like screaming and shouting uncontrollably at the sky, frantic crying and trembling, and becoming verbally or physically aggressive.
C. The beliefs and behavior are not better explained by another psychotic disorder and are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition.
