Washington, D.C. – Dr. Carole Lieberman, a board‑certified psychiatrist, told the Washington Times on Tuesday that “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS) has become a “deadly serious” mental health issue that should be added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) used by clinicians nationwide.
Call for Official Recognition
Lieberman explained that TDS first emerged roughly a decade ago, intensifying as President Trump’s policies and rhetoric have polarized the nation. She described the condition as more than simple disagreement with the president; it involves individuals projecting personal grievances onto the president, leading to extreme emotional reactions.
“When people cannot separate their own past experiences from the actions of the president, they may begin to act in ways that harm their relationships and, at its worst, threaten public safety,” Dr. Lieberman said. “We have already seen several attempts on President Trump’s life that appear to be motivated by this syndrome.”
Meeting with the APA
On Wednesday, Dr. Lieberman met with the chief executive officer of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to present her case for an official diagnosis. She argued that formal recognition would allow mental‑health professionals to treat affected individuals, potentially reducing social isolation and violent outbursts.
Survey Findings Highlight Scope of the Issue
Supporting her claim, a new TechnoMetrica/TIPP poll conducted October 16‑19 surveyed 1,250 registered voters across the United States. The poll found that 38% of respondents reported reactions that would meet Dr. Lieberman’s criteria for TDS, while 70% said they had witnessed anger or stress related to the syndrome in someone they know.
Specifically, 41% of participants observed people withdrawing from friends or family because of their support for President Trump, and 22% reported seeing threats or aggressive behavior tied to negative feelings about the president. The poll’s methodology included a balanced sample of likely voters, with a margin of error of ±3 percentage points.
Implications for Families and Communities
Lieberman emphasized that recognizing TDS could help families address the strain caused by extreme political polarization. “If we can diagnose and treat this condition, more people will be able to live fulfilling lives and maintain healthy relationships,” she said, aligning with the HyperLocal Loop’s focus on strong families and individual liberty.
Response from Critics
Some mental‑health experts and political commentators have questioned the validity of labeling political disagreement as a psychiatric disorder, noting that the term may be used to dismiss legitimate dissent. However, Dr. Lieberman pointed out that the APA’s own diagnostic criteria have historically evolved to address emerging societal challenges.
“The purpose of any diagnosis is to provide a pathway to care, not to silence debate,” she said. “We must distinguish between healthy political engagement and a condition that impairs judgment and endangers public safety.”
Next Steps
Dr. Lieberman plans to submit a formal proposal to the APA’s DSM revision committee later this year. She hopes that, with sufficient data and professional support, TDS will be recognized as a distinct mental‑health condition, enabling clinicians to offer targeted therapy and counseling.
As the conversation continues, families, faith communities, and civic leaders are encouraged to remain vigilant for signs of extreme political stress and to seek professional help when needed.
Original reporting: WMAL (Washington DC) — read the source article.
