Understanding Trump Derangement Syndrome and Its Impact

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. made waves recently by discussing what he describes as Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) with podcaster Adam Carolla. Kennedy suggested, though perhaps in jest, that TDS deserves an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code due to its profound impact on American society, even affecting his own family. The topic also drew attention from psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, who insists TDS is a genuine condition impacting 75% of his liberal patients in Manhattan.

“This is a deep-seated pathology,” Alpert explained to Fox News Digital. “People are obsessed with Trump. They are hyper-focused on him, displaying symptoms like inability to sleep and feelings of trauma and restlessness.” Such comments underscore the belief held by Kennedy and Alpert that TDS truly exists.

“People are obsessed with Trump. They’re fixated. They talk about some of the features of this disorder. They can’t sleep. They feel traumatized by Mr. Trump. They feel restless.” – Jonathan Alpert

Kennedy and Alpert argue that TDS constitutes a real phenomenon but misclassify it as an individual mental disorder. In reality, it resembles classic mass hysteria. Addressing TDS requires tackling the social system fostering this hysteria, similar to how the transgender identity debate is shaped by external influences rather than individual experiences.

The media plays a crucial role in this hysteria. News programs, late-night shows, and even sports commentary amplify fears about Trump’s influence. Historically, mass hysteria includes episodes like the dancing plague of the 16th century and the Salem Witch Trials. But few have had today’s ideal conditions for widespread hysteria.

The media’s exaggeration transforms Trump into a modern bogeyman, echoing tales from British children’s stories about Napoleon Bonaparte. The fear of Trump is so acute for some that it strains personal relationships, especially with those perceived as Trump supporters. This mindset is further reinforced by social media, advice columns, and opinion pieces advising people to cut ties with their ‘MAGA’ relatives.

A Trump-aligned pollster’s report recently highlighted a shift among educated, affluent White women toward the left, with media encouragement. Tackling TDS necessitates focusing on these media narratives rather than individual therapy or vaccinations.

Historical examples show mass hysteria eventually fades, and TDS will, too. Encouragingly, the media and influential figures must first recognize and address their role in perpetuating this hysteria to expedite its decline.