Remembering Donald Trump: "Trump Anxiety Disorder"

Therapists in the United States report an increase in politically-induced anxiety, referred to as "Trump Anxiety Disorder," in the months leading up to and following Donald Trump's presidency. According to Elisabeth LaMotte, a therapist and founder of the D.C. Counseling and Psychotherapy Center in Washington D.C., many patients experience collective anxiety related to the possible consequences of Trump's decisions, rhetoric, and policies. Patients from various political affiliations exhibit similar behavior and stress levels. The American Psychological Association has recorded a rise in anxiety since the 2016 election, and a person's political affiliation can affect their risk of anxiety. Increased electronic news consumption has also been linked to higher stress levels.

Symptoms of "Trump Anxiety Disorder" include lack of sleep, feelings of losing control and helplessness, negative headlines, and excessive time spent on social media. Although not an official diagnosis, it has been theorized in a 2017 essay written by clinical psychologist Jennifer Panning for a book co-edited by Harvard and Yale psychologists. LaMotte compares patients' behavior to that of someone with a parent with a personality disorder, noting that many look to the president as a psychological parent, whether consciously or not.