Therapists now face threats for diagnosing “Trump derangement syndrome”—an escalation that exposes the dangerous toll of politicizing mental health and the risks to freedom of expression in post-Biden America.
Story Snapshot
- A therapist received threats after labeling “Trump derangement syndrome” a genuine pathology.
- This incident ignites debate on the ethics and safety of diagnosing politically charged psychological phenomena.
- Mental health professionals warn against pathologizing political opposition, stressing neutrality.
- The episode highlights the vulnerability of professionals and broader risks of politicizing mental health.
Therapist Faces Threats Over ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ Diagnosis
On November 24, 2025, a therapist reported receiving threats after publicly describing “Trump derangement syndrome” as a real psychological pathology. The term has long been used by Trump supporters to characterize extreme, obsessive reactions to Donald Trump’s actions and persona. This recent backlash underscores growing risks for professionals who speak out on politically sensitive topics. The incident, widely covered by Fox News and major outlets, has thrust the ethical and safety concerns of mental health professionals into the spotlight as they confront the fallout from heightened political polarization.
Many mental health experts reject “Trump derangement syndrome” as a clinical diagnosis, warning that such labels are inherently partisan and risk undermining therapeutic neutrality. Since 2016, therapists have observed a marked increase in patients presenting with anxiety and obsessive thoughts tied to Trump and the broader political climate. The 2024 election cycle and ongoing divisiveness have amplified these symptoms, shifting some cases from acute stress to chronic psychological fixation. Professionals caution that pathologizing political opposition not only threatens the integrity of mental health practice but also exposes practitioners to reputational harm and physical danger.
Polarization and Threats Endanger Free Expression and Clinical Ethics
The therapist’s experience is not isolated. Previous incidents, such as the 2017 “Duty to Warn” campaign questioning Trump’s mental fitness, resulted in similar backlash and threats to practitioners. Social media and partisan news have intensified emotional responses, creating cycles of outrage and anxiety that spill into clinical settings. The current climate has prompted renewed debate about the ethical boundaries of diagnosing political phenomena and the need to safeguard professionals’ freedom of expression. As therapists struggle to maintain neutrality, the fear of threats and reputational damage may lead to self-censorship, reducing open discussion of politically related distress in therapy.
Political activism and media framing play a significant role in amplifying or condemning such statements. Mental health professionals are increasingly forced to navigate a landscape where their clinical authority is challenged by public opinion and partisan agendas. Professional associations set guidelines for ethical practice, but rarely intervene in individual cases, leaving therapists vulnerable. The power dynamics between media, social networks, and clinicians reinforce the risks of engaging in public discourse about controversial topics, especially those intersecting with core conservative values such as free speech and constitutional protections.
Broader Implications for Mental Health and Conservative Values
Short-term consequences include heightened scrutiny of therapists who comment on political phenomena and increased risk of threats and reputational harm. Over the long term, there is concern about a chilling effect on professional discourse, with practitioners avoiding politically sensitive diagnoses altogether. This trend threatens not only the safety of mental health professionals but also the quality of care for patients, who may find fewer opportunities for open discussion about political distress. The broader public faces intensified polarization, as mental health narratives become tools for partisan conflict instead of spaces for healing and understanding.
TDS is a real mental illness.
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Therapist says he received threats after calling ‘Trump derangement syndrome' real 'pathology' https://t.co/8JFhybR88k— Chuck Nellis The Phoenix (@ChuckThePhoenix) November 24, 2025
The incident also highlights the need to defend free expression and clinical independence against government and activist overreach. Conservative Americans, already frustrated by years of woke agendas and partisan attacks on constitutional freedoms, recognize the danger of weaponizing mental health for political purposes. The therapist’s ordeal serves as a warning: when professionals are targeted for speaking truth, the values of liberty, family, and individual rights are at risk. As the Trump administration works to restore constitutional integrity and roll back harmful policies, defending the rights of those who seek to inform and heal has never been more vital.
Sources:
Trump’s Win Sends Therapists Into Crisis — NAS Academic Questions
