- 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.
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- DSM-IV - new category 333.333 Politician Syndrome
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- DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Politician Syndrome
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- 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
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- * 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
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- Pam Ladds
- © 8/8/03
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- 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"!
-
- http://www.opednews.com/Ladds_a_new_psychiatric_diagnostic_cat.htm
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