John McCain does not have a Delusional Disorder, so stop saying that!

[Jackpine Radical]

I will now proceed to prove what I'm saying.

OK, so he thinks we're winning in Iraq. Sure, that's an example of delusional thinking, as are his stated beliefs that that tax cuts are the solution to the impending economic collapse of the country, and that a gas tax holiday will take care of the energy crisis.

But note what the DSM has to say about Delusional Disorder:

Delusional disorder is characterized by the presence of recurrent, persistent non-bizarre delusions.

Delusions are irrational beliefs, held with a high level of conviction, that are highly resistant to change even when the delusional person is exposed to forms of proof that contradict the belief. Generally, in delusional disorder, these mistaken beliefs are organized into a consistent world-view that is logical other than being based on an improbable foundation.

In addition to giving evidence of a cluster of interrelated delusions, persons with delusional disorder experience hallucinations far less frequently than do individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Take note of a couple of things here. First, in true cases of Delusional Disorder, the delusions are well-organized, almost rational (except for being based on false premises), and very persistent.

Also, importantly, there is generally an absence of hallucinations.

McCain's delusions don't seem well-organized or rational. He hasn't really worked out the logic of his positions with the kind of rigor you see in true cases of Delusional Disorder. Furthermore, the nature of his delusions seems to change from day to day, depending on what group he's talking to.

Also, he clearly has a problem with hallucinations--specifically, with negative hallucinations. Negative hallucination is a psychopathological process that involves the active erasure of a perception; "it produces a gap in reality, or a vague impression of unreality," according to one authority.

This would seem to be the best explanation for why McCain thought he was strolling around in a peaceful marketplace in Baghdad. His psychotic condition simply prevented him from seeing or hearing the hundred-troop escort and three Blackhawk helicopters with which he was surrounded.

So there you have it. Ill-formed, inconsistent delusions combined with hallucinations. He clearly doesn't have a classic Delusional Disorder.

Nope, it's paranoid schizophrenia.

Now, THERE'S a guy I want answering that red phone at 3 am.

[ColbertWatcher]

1. It's not schizophrenia either...

...he's merely another narcissist.

[Jackpine Radical]

3. I know, I know.

I don't actually believe what I wrote above. I'm just having a little fun.

[ColbertWatcher]

7. Diagnosis is a fun game.

We should start a page to play Diagnosis the next time he delivers a speech.

[hobbit709]

2. Don't care what the correct medical term is

I just use the the phrase "whacked out"

[Jackpine Radical]

4. I prefer "chronic undifferentiated crazy."

[hobbit709]

5. Whacked out is easier to say when you're under the influence of whatever.

[Jackpine Radical]

6. Hey, man, don' bogart that thang.

Sheeeit, man, I'm purdy whacked out.

Yeah. I see what ya mean.