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New Psychiatric Diagnostic Category; Politician Syndrome; DSM-IV 333.333
By
Pam Ladds opednews.com
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
DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for 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.
Associated Features
" 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
© 8/8/03
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"!
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