Psychotherapist Claims ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ is a Real Issue

Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist from Manhattan, commented recently that he believes Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) is a genuine psychological condition, with about 75% of his patients showing symptoms related to it.

In a discussion on “The Faulkner Focus,” Alpert noted that many individuals express psychological distress fueled by fear and anger toward former President Donald Trump. He described this phenomenon as “a profound pathology” and even suggested it might be the defining mental health issue of our time.

TDS is often used by Trump supporters to mock critics who they feel react in an overly dramatic or irrational way.

Alpert pointed out various symptoms he’s noticed in his clients suffering from TDS. “It became apparent pretty quickly; people are just obsessed with Trump. They often report issues like trouble sleeping, feelings of trauma, or general restlessness,” he shared.

He further noted that some patients have expressed they couldn’t fully enjoy holiday gatherings as they were constantly startled by news updates about Trump. For these individuals, even a simple mention of his name can trigger significant emotional turmoil.

“Trump acts as a catalyst for many. It’s unhealthy to be so fixated on any one person,” Alpert remarked.

In an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal, he elaborated on how this condition manifests. He pointed out that the symptoms are similar to those of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. His patients frequently discuss sleepless nights, compulsive news monitoring, and physical restlessness. Many admit they can’t shake thoughts about Trump even when they try.

“I’d describe this as ‘obsessive political interest,'” he suggested, relating it to an obsessive-compulsive framework where political figures trigger intrusive thoughts and heightened anxiety.

Initially, Alpert thought TDS was just a response to opposing political views, but he soon realized that the symptoms appeared to have a more clinical aspect. “What seemed like anger transformed into an obsession that twists perception,” he noted.

Alpert mentioned that roughly 75% of his current clients demonstrate TDS symptoms. “For many of them, their dislike for Trump is evident within minutes of our session starting,” he stated. “If you’re that preoccupied with someone, it indicates a serious issue.”

Former President Trump has often accused Democrats and the media of downplaying or dismissing the existence of TDS.