Why Trump Derangement Syndrome Isn't in the DSM

Often conflated or misguided, the term 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' (TDS) has become a topic of debate, particularly in light of the current political climate. This article aims to clarify the meaning behind TDS and why it is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Understanding TDS

The term 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' is a political and social construct, often used to describe an excessive and irrational fear or hatred toward former President Donald Trump and his supporters. The phrase 'derangement' itself is not a medical term and reflects a misinterpretation of the clinical term 'discrimination' (T Discernment Syndrome) to mean a mental disorder. The term is not linked to any actual mental health condition but rather to a specific political phenomenon.

Origins of the Term

The term was originally coined by conservative political commentator and psychiatrist Charles Krauthammer in 2003, who used it in reference to what he perceived as an overblown opposition to former President George W. Bush. It is important to recognize the context in which the term was created and used, as it was not intended as a clinical diagnosis but as a critique of political discourse.

Diagnostic Criteria and Inclusion in DSM-5

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is responsible for the DSM-5, the current standard for diagnosing mental health conditions. The DSM-5 requires that diagnoses be supported by well-established evidence and clear diagnostic criteria. TDS, being a political term, does not meet these requirements. The APA focuses on conditions that can be clinically diagnosed and treated, and TDS does not fit within this framework.

A diagnosis in the DSM-5 involves a series of steps, including:

Empirical Evidence: Significant research must support the existence and functioning of the condition. Reliability: The diagnosis must be consistently applied by trained professionals. Validity: The diagnosis must be based on clear clinical symptoms rather than political or social opinions.

TDS fails to meet these criteria and is therefore not included in the DSM-5 or any other official medical or psychiatric manual.

Critical Analysis

Misunderstandings and misinformation about TDS often arise from a lack of clarity in the term's origins and usage. Some claim that TDS or related conditions should be included in the DSM-5, largely as a political statement rather than a medical one. The APA has been clear: inclusion in the DSM is a serious and rigorous process that does not accommodate political or social constructs.

It is important to differentiate between political rhetoric and medical diagnoses. While people may have genuine anxiety or phobias related to the political decisions and statements of individuals like Donald Trump, these should be diagnosed and treated according to established criteria, not by adopting politically charged phrases like TDS.