A psychotherapist based in Manhattan, Jonathan Alpert, claims he has received a barrage of hate messages, including threats on his life, since discussing patients in his practice who he believes are suffering from what he termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Alpert, who is also the author of the upcoming book “Therapy Nation,” noted that he faced significant backlash after appearing on Fox News to talk about the phenomenon where individuals from various political backgrounds mention President Donald Trump in therapy sessions—not focusing on policy, but rather to express their obsessions, fears, and anger.
In communication with Fox News Digital, Alpert shared some of the disturbing messages he received recently. For example, one message stated: “Eat and die, you racist fascist motherfucker, you uneducated MAGA motherfucker.” Another insulted him by calling him a “protector of pedophiles,” and a third accused him of being a “worthless, fraudulent pedophile who wants decent people to be slaughtered.”
Alpert described the responses as “strong,” expressing surprise at the intensity of backlash, particularly from those in the mental health field. He pointed out, interestingly, that those who often preach empathy and tolerance were the ones reacting with hostility. This inconsistency illustrates how emotionally charged the political climate has become.
During an appearance on “The Faulkner Focus,” Alpert explained that he sees “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as more than just a political jab; rather, he views it as an emotional pattern he has observed among patients. He described it as a significant issue of our time, noting that many people are excessively preoccupied with Trump, causing distress that influences their daily lives.
He recounted an instance of a patient who was unable to enjoy a vacation because any news about Trump sparked anxiety and agitation in him. Alpert estimates that around 75% of his patients exhibit signs of this syndrome, but he insists that it is not a medical diagnosis, nor does it imply that political beliefs are inherently signs of mental illness. Instead, it’s an emotional reaction that can disrupt day-to-day life.
Alpert has noticed that people’s emotional responses to Trump seem heightened compared to when he was first elected in 2016, hinting at a larger shift in how political disagreements are managed. He suggested that people increasingly conflate disagreement with personal threat, exacerbated by the way therapeutic language has permeated popular culture, leading to expressions like “I’m triggered” or “I feel unsafe.” Such phrases can intensify discussions and silence opposing viewpoints.
He believes that for many, their political views related to Trump have now become tied to their identity, morphing political discussions into deeply personal conflicts. This transformation often impacts people’s mental well-being, stretching beyond mere political opinions.
As Alpert aims to assist patients in distinguishing their emotions from factual discussions, he hopes to inspire conversations around the impacts of volatile political climates on mental health and encourage healthier coping strategies. Despite the backlash, he has also received support from those who recognize the challenges posed by “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” asserting that many find relief in having an open dialogue about their experiences.
However, some experts warn against labeling political sentiment as a pathology. In a letter to the editor, Dr. Robin Weiss, a psychiatrist from Baltimore, emphasized the importance of supporting patients’ mental health regardless of political views and the responsibility of clinicians to document societal harm when necessary.
