A growing number of Americans are experiencing a profound and debilitating emotional response to a single political figure, according to a Manhattan psychotherapist. It’s a phenomenon so widespread, so consuming, that it’s actively eroding mental well-being and disrupting daily life.
Jonathan Alpert, who practices in New York and Washington and contributes to the Wall Street Journal, reports that a staggering three-quarters of his patients now present with symptoms indicative of an all-consuming political obsession. These aren’t discussions of policy or reasoned debate; they are raw, emotional outbursts centered on one individual.
The core of the issue isn’t simply disagreement, but a fixation that manifests as sleepless nights, chronic anxiety, and a pervasive sense of dread. One patient confessed to being unable to enjoy a vacation, constantly “triggered” by any mention or image of the subject of their distress.
Alpert refrains from using the politically charged term “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” instead labeling it “obsessive political preoccupation.” He describes it as resembling obsessive-compulsive disorder, where a political figure becomes the focal point for intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Patients exhibit a relentless need to monitor news, experience heightened arousal, and struggle to function normally. The anxiety isn’t rooted in political ideology, but has become a fundamental way of being, distorting perception and consuming attention.
This isn’t merely an individual struggle. Alpert suggests it functions as a “culture-bound syndrome,” a condition shaped by shared social triggers. While not a formal diagnosis, the symptom patterns align with established anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
The roots of this preoccupation run deep, extending beyond simple political opposition. The constant comparison of a political figure to historical villains has fostered a climate of genuine fear, leading some to believe the nation is on the brink of collapse.
Furthermore, this intense emotional response has been strategically exploited. Opposition has become the defining characteristic of a political movement, with legislative agendas and party platforms built solely around resisting a single individual, overshadowing critical issues like the economy and education.
Polls reveal a disturbing trend: for many, “fighting” a political figure has become the primary objective, eclipsing concerns about everyday life and the well-being of the nation. This obsessive focus is not simply a political stance; it’s a growing mental health crisis.
The consequences are far-reaching, impacting not only individual lives but also the very fabric of national unity and rational discourse. The inability to move beyond constant outrage threatens to paralyze progress and deepen the divisions within society.
