8.  A New Psychiatric Diagnostic Category; Politician Syndrome;
    DSM-IV 333.333
    by Pam Ladds
    Tajmahalcat{at}aol.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


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Copyright 8/8/03 Pam Ladds
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{at}aol.com

This article is copyright by Pam Ladds, first published by
http://www.opednews.com/ but permission is granted for reprint in print,
email, blog, or web media so long as this credit is attached.
http://www.opednews.com/Ladds_a_new_psychiatric_diagnostic_cat.htm

"Healing the world by treating 1 politician at a time"!

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