Is Bush Bipolar? - Interesting Letter on Buzzflash

[RamboLiberal]

When visiting my old college last week and waiting for the desk attendant to return, I thumbed though a course pamphlet handout while biding the time.

The title of the pamphlet was, "Introduction to Depression and Manic Depression." The modern term for Manic Depression is now called Bipolar. My eyes fell to the sub-title, "How to Recognize Mania." Imagine my interest as I associated the symptoms with GW Bush:

Increased physical and mental activity and energy (Bush brags about his running many miles each day and working out in the White House gym.)

Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence (Listen to Bush telling us that the economy is on the upswing when we know it isn't. Remember how he told us we would be in and out of Iraq quickly.How about the statement, "Bring 'em on." And of course, Bush always boasts of his war on terror, telling us that we are much safer now. We know that we are not safer.)

Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior (Yes, Bush displays excessive irritability when anyone questions his actions. Aggressive behavior? Check out Afghanistan and Iraq.)

Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue (Doesn't his administration brag about the early hour Bush gets up each morning... ready to go get'um?)

http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/03/08/28_bipolar.html

[Clete]

1. Well, I don't think so.

It's just his personality. I call it spoiled brat syndrome.

[sasquatch]

2. Bipolar....possibly Remorsless Killer most likely

I would go with sociopath or psycopath but, people that suffer from that have very high intellegence levels.

[shanti]

6. so that would rule out chimpy?

lololol

[arikara]

3. He is mentally sick

But he fits the description of a psychopath more.

Antisocial personality disorder
Also called: psychopathic personality; sociopathic personality

A pattern of irresponsible behavior that lacks morals and ethics and brings the person into conflict with society.

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The cause of this disorder is unknown, but biological or genetic factors may play a role. The incidence of antisocial personality is higher in people who have an antisocial biological parent. Although the diagnosis is limited to those over 18 years of age, there is always a history of antisocial behavior before age 15 demonstrated by repetitive lying, truancy, delinquency, and substance abuse. As an adult, there is a pattern of unlawful behavior, failure of job and family responsibility, reckless personal behavior, promiscuity, failure to sustain long-term relationships, and aggressive behavior. There is a lack of anxiety or emotion in situations that warrant such emotions. Superficial charm and wit can be highly developed and skillfully used for their own ends. This disorder tends to occur more often in men and in people whose predominant role model had antisocial features.

[hang a left]

4. Obviously the guy has got issues

big time. Lots of drunks are dual diagnosis. Very common.

edit; sp

[Ouabache]

5. All the facial tics, contortions, grimacing and puffing of the cheeks

TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

Google it.

Then deduce.

[fortyfeetunder]

7. Isn't calling him bipolar giving him credit?

Like that's assuming he has more than one brain cell...

[depakid]

8. That insinuation is insulting to bipolar 's everywhere!

Among other things, bipolar disorder is positively correlated with above average intelligence, a high degree of creativity and curiosity.

Bipolar's also experience a greater breadth and intensity of feelings and emotions than "normal" people, which often translates into a heightened sense of empathy.

Bush evinces NONE of these qualities- If anything, he's at the opposite extreme, as many people have noted.

Looking at the DSM IV-TR criteria, it's pretty clear to me that Bush has a form of antisocial personality disorder, i.e., he's a sociopath:

The symptoms of antisocial personality disorder include a longstanding pattern (after the age of 15) of disregard for the rights of others. There is a failure to conform to society's norms and expectations that often results in numerous arrests or legal involvement as well as a history of deceitfulness where the individual attempts to con people or use trickery for personal profit. Impulsiveness if often present, including angry outbursts, failure to consider consequences of behaviors, irritability, and/or physical assaults.

Some argue that a major component of this disorder is the reduced ability to feel empathy for other people. This inability to see the hurts, concerns, and other feelings of people often results in a disregard for these aspects of human interaction. Finally, irresponsible behavior often accompanies this disorder as well as a lack of remorse for wrongdoings.

He also exhibits narcissistic traits:

There is a sense of entitlement, of being more deserving than others based solely on their superiority. These symptoms, however, are a result of an underlying sense of inferiority and are often seen as overcompensation. Because of this, they are often envious and even angry of others who have more, receive more respect or attention, or otherwise steal away the spotlight.

btw: if anyone is or suspects that they are bipolar, the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) has a great website, including forums and a chatroom.

[Khephra]

9. You've got that right

"Among other things, bipolar disorder is positively correlated with above average intelligence, a high degree of creativity and curiosity."

I'm MD/BP.

I constantly score in the ranges of 180 IQ, but because of my inability to concentrate on any one thing at a time I've been considered below average int.

They finally came up with a reason--it's called DeVinci Syndrome.

One person ends up having their brain work on overtime, and they get all sorts of ideas, but they're never able to follow any of them up.

[depakid]

10. he he- know the feeling

I'm a JD soon to be MPH/BP- and when I'm up I seriously "multi-task." Can't help it. It's not uncommon for me to have four or five projects going at once... some of which look really foolish once the hypomania dies down.

More than a few nights I've been up all night painting or doing silly art and crafts- or posting glibly on this and other boards! (that is, unless I have a significant other around, in which case...}(

You may have already seen it, but the Bipolar Disorders Clinic at Stanford recently completed a controlled study linking bipolar disorder with high degrees of creativity and intelligence. One of the lead researchers made this interesting observation:

"My hunch is that emotional range, having an emotional broadband, is the bipolar patient's advantage," said Strong. "It isn't the only thing going on, but it gives people with manic depression a creative edge."

[InkAddict]

11. Doctor Mom's diagnosis is

Narcassistic Disorder with sociopathic tendencies and loss of reality testing treated by handler-prescribed doses of some form(s) of down-home pig-pharm-aceuticals with lapses into substance abuse.

[emad]

12. grandiose asshole

with delusions of immortality

[Ilsa]

13. He goes to bed practically when the sun sets, gets plenty of sleep.

"Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue (Doesn't his administration brag about the early hour Bush gets up each morning... ready to go get'um?)"

I heard he sleeps plenty each night, that he goes to bed at the same time as my six year, like 9pm.

I even heard that during the early part of the war, Ari said something like WA was sleeping great. Then they revised that statement a few weeks later after more casualties and they realized that it made him seem indifferent to human suffering. Spin and spin again.