Re: "GOP Faces Another Midterm Threat as Trump Plays Shutdown Card"

To the editor:

While it may make for laughs among his loyal supporters, President Trump's texting about the media's being driven insane by their  'Trump Derangement Syndrome' (GOP faces another midterm threat as Trump plays shutdown card, 7/30/18) is yet another example of his disturbed mind as he attempts to manipulate and deceive by perpetuating the use of a pseudo-condition that creates an impression that such a psychological condition is real and can be given a name; one that labels as pathological journalists who are committed to the truth.

As a practicing psychiatrist and psychoanalyst I can attest to the fact that many of my patients are suffering with heightened anxiety, insomnia and feelings of powerlessness in response to President Trump's relentless attack on reality. And some worry they are losing their minds - not because of Trump's policies - but due to his relentless attack on facts themselves.

It is undeniable, yes a fact, that President Trump uses deception as a major mode of relating to world; it is hard to know the degree to which he engages in self-deception though some of his lies (the size of the inaugural crowd, for example) beg the question.  Regardless, I applaud the media for their arduous work in being committed to the truth and helping to keep American citizens sane during this difficult time.

Respectfully

Larry S. Sandberg MD