Do you think that Bush is mentally ill?

[WI_DEM]

I've read some psycho-biographies of Dick Nixon and how he suffered from a inferiority complex for most of his life. One of his biographers Richard Reeves says that Nixon was "essentially crippled socially." Reeves says that Nixon was a "brilliant man" but "unstable." Nixon had a persecution complex and thought that everybody was out to get him. Nelson Rockefeller once told Reeves that he thought Nixon was "crazy" and Reeves thought it was just Rockefeller's jealousy speaking but after doing the book on Nixon he now feels there is some truth to Rocky's assertion.

Mental health issues, of course, are nothing to laugh at--but it's troubling to think that the "leader of the free world" who has his finger on the Atomic bomb and other weaponds of mass destruction is mentally ill. Do you think that Bush, by his actions over the last six years, is mentally ill or is just stupid and evil?

[MrCoffee]

1. Seriously mentally ill

I used to think stupid and evil, but now i'm convinced he's a very sick man.

[Johnny Appleseed]

33. yep

[theoldman]

2. Are we talking ignorance or stupidity?

I think that Bush is very ignorant and that ignorance is not a mental illness. All of us have our quirks

[WI_DEM]

4. yes, ignorance might be the better word

than stupidity.

[rfranklin]

11. It is willful ignorance because he doesnt want to see contradictions...

that might cause him to doubt himself. He knows deep down that he would not be anything without his family's power and wealth. That's why he cannot stand to hear or see anything that reminds him of that fact.

[trayfoot]

3. Very, very sick!

eom

[kestrel91316]

5. He's a sociopath. I think in recent years he has also developed

brain disease from all the alcohol and drug abuse. But he's fundamentally a sociopath, devoid of any conscience.

[theoldman]

10. He is a sociapath but this is not a mental illness.

I am not try to stick up for the guy, just looking at it from a medical viewpoint.

[kestrel91316]

22. IMHO sociopathy is a character defect, not a mental illness.

[greeneyedboy]

24. it's in the DSM, so technically it is a mental illness.

i don't think he's quite as dumb as he acts, but he has no conscience, which is much worse.

[undergroundpanther]

35. It's in the DSM

Because it causes problems for other people.
Psychopaths are sane.Their character is fucked. Being an evil asshole is not the same thing as mental illness! Just like having downs syndrome isn't something like depression... hence AXIS 2! A person who is retarded isn't likely to have it cured,likewise a psychopath isn't likely to be cured of his innate ass-holiness either.It means the problem is a permanant defect and a permanant birth defect is not the same thing as an ILLNESS that can be healed.This is why psychopaths are NOT mentally ill. Retarded people are NOT mentally ill either.Get IT?

Do you know what the AXISES are about?


There are five AXISES that provide information in the DSM4. They
are:

AXIS I: Learning Disorders,and other Mental
Disorders such as depression and anxiety are listed on this
axis.

AXIS II: Personality Disorders and Mental Retardation are
listed on this Axis. Research has found that these difficulties
are resistant and resolution is not expected.

AXIS III: General Medical Conditions that are potentially
relevant to the understanding or management of the mental
disorder listed in Axis I or II are listed on this Axis.

AXIS IV: Psychosocial and Environmental Problems are
listed on this Axis. These include difficulty with family,
school, or occupation, the legal system, finances or housing.

AXIS V: The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale
This scale is measured from 0 to 100.

[malaise]

6. Duh!! n/t

[graywarrior]

7. The entire world has been dealing with his freaking medication

adjustments for 5 years. Personally, I'm sick of his untreated alcoholism.

[Richard Steele]

8. Yes. He's always had some serious sociopathic tendencies....

...and the obvious mental deterioration he's exibited
over the last ten years or so certainly can't be helping
to lessen them.

[hobbit709]

9. Having been around and living with

certified loons-yes he is.

[leftofthedial]

12. sociopath

[ThomWV]

13. Mentally Ill? No. Mentally deficient? Yes.

I don't think he's particularly sick, I think he is simply a dullard walking in an egotistic haze, pandered to by every self-serving reject from civility the Republican Party ever developed.

[Alamom]

14. Cruel or Crazy........maybe both.

http://faculty.ncwc.edu/toconnor/428/428lect16.htm


Clinical Symptoms for an Antisocial Personality Disorder Diagnosis

1. Failure to conform to social norms; 2. Deceitfulness, manipulativeness; 3. Impulsivity, failure to plan ahead; 4. Irritability, aggressiveness; 5. Reckless disregard for the safety of self or others; 6. Consistent irresponsibility; 7. Lack of remorse after having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another person

Sociopathy is chiefly characterized by something wrong with the person's conscience. They either don't have one, it's full of holes like Swiss cheese, or they are somehow able to completely neutralize or negate any sense of conscience or future time perspective. Sociopaths only care about fulfilling their own needs and desires - selfishness and egocentricity to the extreme. Everything and everybody else is mentally twisted around in their minds as objects to be used in fulfilling their own needs and desires. They often believe they are doing something good for society, or at least nothing that bad.




List of Common Sociopathic Traits

Egocentricity; Callousness; Impulsivity; Conscience defect; Exaggerated sexuality; Excessive boasting; Risk taking; Inability to resist temptation; Antagonistic, deprecating attitude toward the opposite sex; Lack of interest in bonding with a mate


List of Common Psychopathic Traits

Glib and superficial charm; Grandiose sense of self-worth; Need for stimulation; Pathological lying; Conning and manipulativeness; Lack of remorse or guilt; Shallow affect; Callousness and lack of empathy; Parasitic lifestyle; Poor behavioral controls; Promiscuous sexual behavior; Early behavior problems; Lack of realistic, long-term goals; Impulsivity; Irresponsibility; Failure to accept responsibility for own actions; Many short-term marital relationships; Juvenile delinquency; Revocation of conditional release; Criminal versatility.






edit to add link

[TahitiNut]

15. It's an Axis II mental disorder - Narcissistic Personality DIsorder.

The sociopathic behavior is driven by Cheney and Rumsfeld - both sociopaths - and others whose 'approval' is needed by Smirkyboy. He's neatly surrounded by autocrats and sociopaths and his narcissistic supply is heavily dependent on the coordination and guidance they provide.

[Demobrat]

18. Yup.

Classic case.

[razors edge]

21. Complicated by the inability to

balance his meds with the Jack Daniels.

[Dhalgren]

23. Dead on, TahitiNut. Dead on...

[undergroundpanther]

44. Axis 2

AXIS II: Personality Disorders and Mental Retardation are
listed on this Axis. Research has found that these difficulties
are resistant and resolution is not expected.

An Axis 2 diagnosis like mental retardation cannot be cured.. it's what the person IS, hence Axis 2 is more of a DESCRIPTOR of a permanent disfigurement or flaw, NOT an illness diagnosis axis.

Axis 2 does not state the presence of illness it expresses the presence of DEFECTS in a person that cannot be cured for one reason or another. An illness you can cure or at least relieve the symptoms of it with the right therapy. You cannot cure a person with downs syndrome with talk therapy and make their IQ 150. Likewise and you cannot cure a psychopath and give them a conscience with some prozac..that's what axis 2 means it is a DEFECT in who they are ,and that is not an ILLNESS.. Tahitinut.
Who gives a fuck if the DSM lists it. It's what list it is IN that matters whether it is an ILLNESS or not... Sheesh.

I am mentally ill and for DAMN sure I learned how the DSM works.
Damn this ignorance.

[TahitiNut]

51. I was EXPLICIT in calling it a disorder.

I am quite aware of the distinction between Axis I (illness) and Axis II (disorder). I am also quite aware of the reason for even listing such disorders - and even calling them disorders - since they interfere with or prevent behavioral choices that lead to healthy, productive, and happy lives - drive choices that are overtly harmful to others. I also realize they're effectively untreatable. I regard the first quote in my sig as indicative of this.) I have been treated for depression/PTSD, so I have some first-hand appreeciation for this.

[undergroundpanther]

53. Cool

But you didn't refute the mental illness stuff,directly that's what bothered me, that's all..
Anyways , you are cool, I hope all is ok with you. I know it's tough dealing with PSTD and all the bad stuff going on in the world.You take care ok?

[hiaasenrocks]

16. What exactly do you mean by "mentally ill"?

That encompasses many, many different disorders and diseases. I know you included a disclaimer about mental health issues are nothing to laugh at, but they're also nothing to toss around so lightly. There are many people who are "mentally ill" while still being responsible, trustworthy, kind-hearted, and thoughtful.

Please don't do anything to contribute to the stigma that still exists in this society against those with mental health issues. And please don't use any of *'s despicable actions to further that stigma.

Sorry to seem that I am jumping on you here, but this is something I take personally.

[MGD]

17. He is certainly a pathological egotist and liar. Does that qualify?

[3waygeek]

19. For a professional opinion, read

Bush on the Couch.

[bobbie]

20. I think Bush is irrelevant

The PNACers pull the strings and El Diablo just mouths the words.

[Dervill Crow]

25. Sociopathic and narcissistic with a side order of organic brain syndrome.

A spoiled brat who never was forced to grow up.

[undergroundpanther]

41. Bingo!!

Bush is NOT mentally ILL!!

[liberal N proud]

26. I am not an expert but if I were to encounter someone like him

on the street, I would avoid contact.

Yes he has a mental problem.

[Disturbed]

29. Busholini is a Silverspoon Sociopath.

He may have brain damage from Alcohol and Cocaine use but there is no denying that he is an ignorant, arrogant Asshole.

[Wanet]

27. Calling Bush mentally ill

Is an insult to all mentally ill people.

[undergroundpanther]

31. Yes it is

Bush is not mentally ill. That's why it's insulting.

[Annces]

28. an ambitious underachiever

like the not so smart son of a powerful mafioso, who gets the reins of power. However the henchmen around him actually decide what the game is, oil, and oil.

[undergroundpanther]

30. NO

I think he is a psychopath asshole. Psychopaths are not mentally ill. People with depression or trauma disorders are NOT psychopaths, please do not lump mentally ill people in with the psychopaths.Psychopaths are SANE.And they do not recover.Because they are not sick.

The Psychopath is what their character is,what their personality itself,IS.
http://www.hare.org/links/saturday.html


A mental illness is a TOTALLY different condition and it has a totally different cause.
Mental illness does not cause the death of a person's conscience.
A schizophrenic who kills someone in a psychosis feels horrible remorse when they get medicine and get their symptoms under control.Because their illness has not destroyed their conscience.

A psychopath has no conscience and doesn't want one either. He feels no guilt shame or remorse over the bad shit done, they know what they do is bad and they do it anyway because they do not care..

The only issue Bush has that could be treated is his addiction.

[madokie]

32. mentally ill, stupid, ignorant,full of shit and evil as evil can be.

he needs to be working on a funny farm where he can be watched at all times.

[undergroundpanther]

38. Goddammit!

I have mental illness and the mental hospital isn't funny at all. dude.That comment was disgusting andcruel to those with mental illness. I am SICK to death of hearing loony this,nut that, funny farm CRAP out of yahoos like you,that do not know how horrid it FEELS to be mentally ill, as in depressed ,PSTD or afflicted with psychosis.

First of all you just insulted EVERY mentally ill person on earth by comparing Bush with US .There are PLENTY of mentally ill people even on DU and they are some of DU finest!
1 in 4 people in America have mental illness and suffer like hell with it and we don't need ignorant fools calling us loons and humiliating us for being in pain GOT IT?.

An axis 2 diagnosis, which psychopathy is, is NOT a mental illness. Would you call someone with mental retardation mentally ill? NO,because they are not SICK.. Likewise a person with a bad character is not cure-able like a brain injured person can't be made to stop seizuring with psych talk therapy.. Both problems are innate on a physical or organic level and cannot be cured because it's WHAT the person IS..

Psychopaths can't grow a conscience with prozac,and people with downs syndrome can't get a higher IQ score through talk therapy..Understand. Bush is NOT mentally ill. He's a walking character defect!

Aaargh.

[bobbie]

34. Nixon was seriously paranoid, for good reason

He helped the CIA kill JFK. Water gate was largely about covering evidence of the gov'ts murder of President Kennedy. That's pretty clear from the Nixon white house tapes.

So Nixon becomes a president (tho' they had to kill RFK to get him there) and he knows damn well that the CIA won't hesitate to kill presidents that displease them, and he knows that his own role in past events can be exposed if Watergate isn't covered up.

Hell yeah he was scared shitless. I hope he suffered horribly. And I wish there was really a hell for him to rot in.

[calico1]

36. I think his brain is fried from years of

drug and alcohol abuse. There is definitely some damage there. Aside from the fact that he's a prick too.

[AlinPA]

37. He is a stupid man who repeats what he is told by Rove.

[Mr_Spock]

39. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you ever heard that fucknut try to talk?

He's completely gone.

[undergroundpanther]

40. SSSPooock!!

I have mental illness , I'm NOT a "...Fucknut", that comment is fucking cruel to those with mental illness. I am SICK to death of hearing loony this,nutcase that, funny farm CRAP out of yahoos who prefer to not EMPATHIZE and understand how horrid it FEELS to be mentally ill, as in depressed ,PSTD or afflicted with psychosis.

First of all you just insulted EVERY mentally ill person on Earth by comparing Bush with US .There are PLENTY of mentally ill people even on DU and they are some of DU finest!
1 in 4 people in America have mental illness and suffer like hell with it and we don't need ignorant fools calling us loons and humiliating us for being in pain GOT IT?.

An axis 2 diagnosis, which psychopathy is, is NOT a mental illness. Would you call someone with mental retardation mentally ill? NO,because they are not SICK.. Likewise a person with a bad character is not cure-able like a brain injured person can't be made to stop seizuring with psych talk therapy.. Both problems are innate on a physical or organic level and cannot be cured because it's WHAT the person IS..

Psychopaths can't grow a conscience with prozac,and people with downs syndrome can't get a higher IQ score through talk therapy..Understand. Bush is NOT mentally ill. He's a walking character defect!

Aaargh.

[Mr_Spock]

42. Lol - I am not going to try to be politically correct with everything

I am sorry, but people unintentionally insult things about me (which I do not discuss here) all the time. I do my best to have a thick skin.

I wish I could have a political conversation without possibly insulting someone, but this is politics and I am not going to worry about every little thing I say. Compared to the racist biogots on the right, I think I can live with possibly insulting someone - seeing as I am a compassionate person who would never insult someone on purpose.

[undergroundpanther]

46. Thick skins

Are part of the problem. Thick skins make insulting rude words normalized when you go around pretending you are not hurt by them.

Enough denial.

I know you were saying you were trying but does "fuck nut" sound like a kind thing to say to someone ready to commit suicide, would you walk up to someone in the throes of depression and call them a fuck nut? Are you so sure nobody on DU isn't feeling depressed today..? Hell read some of my posts,I come on here hellova depressed sometimes..

Think of the audience first and quit trying telling others to be thick skinned so you can call mentally ill people fuck nuts because you might find it funny sometimes in the context of making barbs at Bush... I refuse to grow a thick skin so people around me can be careless to other people who are by no fault of their own, made into social pariahs .Somebody's gotta stand up, So I will.I draw the boundary than.I am sick of this fucked up culture it's too tolerant of abuse..It won't change by itself. So I will try.

Do, hate the bullies all you want they deserve it .Insult them for their abuses against other people .BUT plerase take care before you hit post,to hit your actual target with those verbal darts OK?..

Other people might be hurt by your cultivated "thick skinned insensitivity" humor and bad aim.. Be careful your words anyones words misused, can hurt unintended targets...It's called Skillful means.Civil eloquence. And a thick skin is a hindrance to aiming your barbs at whom deserves it..most..:)

[Mr_Spock]

49. Bush is still a fucknut

Even though you are being nice and trying to make a point, my Aspergers may at times let me hurt people's feelings un-intentionally. I don't need nor do I want to be lectured about it.

[undergroundpanther]

52. Ok,

But if you decide to be thoughtless again,be aware I won't be growing a "thick skin" for you. If you think your aspegers lets you off the hook,with me you are mistaken.. I won't excuse verbal abuse from a person with depression or anything else.
If you don't like it,well you can try to learn some new skillful ways to hit the target you intend to insult directly or you can decide to not throw insulting barbs with your information and opinions.

Simple.
Balls in your court. I'll be around.

[Mr_Spock]

54. Thanks for your understanding.

I don't even know who you are and you are harassing me over a comment insulting Bush on a democratic site, at the same time saying I'm intruding on your personal speech comfort zone (albeit unintentionally)

I have learned to recognize irony over the years.

[truthisfreedom]

43. psycho-killer with a license to murder.

he's a sicko alright. plus he's dain-bramaged from all of the booze and drugs he's abused.

[undergroundpanther]

50. Arrrgh

Bush is not a sicko. You insulted every mentally ill person on DU with that comparison you made . I am nothing like Bush.Some of DU's Finest are Mentally ill. Please don't lump us in with Bush. I am mentally ill.And I have a conscience like mentally ill people do. Bush is a psychopath,an axis 2 diagnosis which is not about illness but about defects in a person, Bush is a born asshole with a broken consience..But However I must say, I do agree with the brain damage caused by drugs, suspicion ,it looks like he has coke jaw sometimes.

[MrSlayer]

45. No, he's just an arrogant, ignorant asshole.

He's intellectually lazy and indifferent to the harm the policies his handlers make him trumpet cause. He's not crazy, he just doesn't give a fuck.

[MzNov]

47. Are Bush's parents first cousins??

a friend of mine keeps telling me that and I can't find anything on it. Apparently it was a news story when 41 was in office? I missed it totally if in fact it's true.

Wouldn't that explain a whole bunch of things??

:-)

[SammyWinstonJack]

48. I think he is stupid, evil and has

huge self esteem issues.

[Cleita]

55. He's a textbook sociopath. Even an unschooled in psychology

person like me can see that. It's too obvious.