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New Psychiatric Diagnostic Category
Politician
Syndrome; DSM-IV 333.333
by
Pam Ladds
August
19, 2003
The
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) is the means by
which mental health disorders are classified in the United States. This standardized approach is used by mental
health professionals, insurance companies and the legal system. Clinicians use the manual to assist in
diagnosis by reading the general description and checking off the different
criteria. Those mildly impacted by a
syndrome will meet the minimum number of criteria, the seriously impaired
will meet all of the qualitative and
behavioral conditions. Prognosis
usually depends on the severity of the disorder. Differential diagnosis is made
by ruling out other diagnoses with similar symptomatology.
DSM-IV
- new category 333.333 Politician Syndrome
Although
it is unusual to add to an existing DSM instead of waiting for the new
addition, extenuating circumstances make this imperative. The current increase in incidence of this
syndrome and the apparent contagion factor make the availability of clear
diagnostic criteria essential.
Treatment options are limited owing to the gullibility (DSM-IV
Foxnewsitis 666.66) factor of the general population. Current Strategies include Exposure Methods eg 12 Step Programs such as Politicians Publicus seen daily on Fox TV,
where public breast beating and baring, ranting and raving apparently bore even
hard core politicians into submission.
Other treatment options include therapy from Ann Coulter or promotion to
Bush's closet... err, make that Cabinet.
Early diagnosis is essential to prevent the rapid disintegration from
human being into full blown Politician.
While
there seems to be a genetic or familial component to this disorder for some
individuals, sexual transmission may be involved for others. Close contact with Corporations raises that risk
in predisposed individuals.
Environmental factors such as over-exposure to fictional super heroes, drama
news stations and reality TV may be implicated in other instances. Appearing in 2 ** movies is a known risk
factor.
A.
Qualitative impairment in social interaction as manifested by at least 3 of the
following:
1.
Marked impairment in the use of multiple verbal behaviors such as wild
exaggeration, rapid shifts of previously stated opinions to the point of
repeated reversal, overuse of words or phrases such as "read my
lips," consistent misuse of words, despite opportunities to learn correct
usage or pronunciation; eg Nukular, for nuclear. Excessively impressionistic
speech patterns, little concrete detail. Significant use of spin, distraction
and deletion. Sees no difficulty with phrases such as "collateral
damage" "military intelligence" "friendly fire"
"compassionate conservative".
2.
Grandiosity and self-importance. Exaggerates
achievements and talents; eg., created the internet, liberated another country
etc. Theatrical, self-dramatization,
and exaggerated expression of emotion,
Dresses up in costumes of others for self-glorification.
3.
Is pre-occupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance to the
point of believing in Total Global Dominance.
Messianic tendencies. Applies
equally to both genders.
4.
Has a sense of entitlement which he/she believes is supported by the world in
general. Sometimes becomes delusional
eg believes the world will donate any resources willingly even to the point of
extinction eg forests, animals, ozone layer.
5.
Interpersonally exploitative - takes advantage of others to achieve his/her own
ends.
6.
Requires excessive admiration and needs to be the center of attention.
7.
Interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriately sexually
seductive or provocative behavior.
Speech patterns may be immature and aggressive eg Bring 'em on
8.
Quotes religious texts ad nauseum to make moral judgments and frequently claims
direct communication with God. Sees no
problem in selective hallucinations.
9.
Absence of a sense of humor.
B.
Restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities as
indicated by at least 2 of the following:
1.
Obsession with shaking hands with total strangers, kissing babies, exaggerated
eye contact, intent gaze and bizarre promises.
2.
Obsession with raising large sums of money Sees future in terms of the
"war chest"..
3.
Obsession with polls which involve asking self-serving, obscure or irrelevant
questions of only those who will answer in a predictable way.
4.
Oppositional Defiant characteristics shown by excessive arguing, ridiculing of
those who appear to have different positions, need to diminish and demonize
others. Often labels entire groups of
individuals as "the enemy" on the basis of very little information.
5.
An inability to empathize or identify with the feelings of individuals
6.
Delusional and distorted thinking patterns eg Believing that a Corporation is
the same as a person.
7.
Relationships which are often of a bondage nature. The Pimp or Donor
(occasionally an individual but more usually a corporation) provides
large sums of money with attached chains.
Shows no insight and sees no problem with this behavior. Projects negative thoughts about own
behavior onto others eg demonizes the sex industry but fails to recognize that
is an honest transaction.
8.
Total belief in ones own virtue and strengths regardless of evidence to the
contrary,
9.
A family history. The risk seems to
increase with the number of afflicted relatives. Where both parents carry the gene there are even fewer treatment
options. Genetic counseling should be
offered emphasizing the risks of continuing this gene pool. Limited ability without supportive
counseling to link dynasty with dinosaur.
10.
Frequent checking in the mirror suggesting over-involvement with personal
appearance. This is most often to check
the length of the nose. Unusual fear of
nasal growth, sometimes phobic, sometimes excessive use of surgical
intervention.
11.Ability
to compromise - values, standards, beliefs, conscience and anything
non-infected people consider sacred.
*
Dramatic or Grandiose Personality
*
Addictive personality
*
Wild mood swings
*
Extremely controlling personality
*
Verbal diarrhea with little substance.
* Inability to play well with others - cheats
and lies.
Differential
Diagnoses. As several diagnoses have
some of the same symptoms it is important to differentiate from the following
disorders which need to be ruled out to establish a precise diagnosis.
Histrionic
Personality Disorder
Antisocial
Personality Disorder,
Narcissistic
Personality Disorder
Oppositional
Defiant Disorder
Conduct
Disorder
Personality
Disorder due to conflict of interests
Sociopathic
Personality Disorder
Deviant
Personality Disorder
Paranoid
Personality Disorder
Pam Ladds is a freelance
writer, activist and psychotherapist living in upstate New York. She is a clinical expert in the field of
Politician Syndrome and is available for radio, reality tv and the supreme
court - for a large fee! She can be reached at Tajmahalcat@aol.com. This article is
copyright by Pam Ladds, first published by www.opednews.com
but permission is granted for reprint in print, email, blog, or web media so long
as this credit is attached.
"Healing
the world by treating 1 politician at a time"!