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In reply to the discussion: The United States is in a free fall [View all]William Seger
(11,724 posts)6. Power psychosis is a very real mental illness
Even severe malignant narcissism is considered to be a personality disorder, not a mental illness, but power psychosis is a serious mental illness because it's what happens when a powerful person loses contact with reality. A Google search produced this AI-generated summary:
Power psychosis is a state where individuals with unchecked power over extended periods experience a loss of touch with reality, leading to distorted perceptions, impaired judgment, and inflated self-confidence. It's characterized by reduced complex social reasoning, increased risk-taking, and a tendency to see others instrumentally.
Key Aspects of Power Psychosis:
Loss of Touch with Reality:
Individuals may experience delusions of grandeur, believing they possess exceptional power, knowledge, or abilities.
Distorted Perceptions:
They might see others as smaller, less significant, or as obstacles to be overcome.
Reduced Empathy and Social Reasoning:
Power psychosis can lead to a decrease in the ability to understand or consider the perspectives of others.
Increased Risk-Taking:
Individuals may make decisions that are reckless or that disregard potential consequences.
Inflated Self-Confidence and Reduced Inhibition:
They may become overly self-assured and less concerned with social norms or consequences.
Causes and Consequences:
Unchecked Power:
The syndrome is primarily linked to prolonged exposure to high levels of power, where individuals are not held accountable or have little to no limitations on their actions.
Impact on Others:
The behavior of individuals experiencing power psychosis can be detrimental to those around them, leading to harm, manipulation, and injustice.
Potential for Abuse:
Power psychosis can contribute to the abuse of authority and the exploitation of others.
Distinction from Other Conditions:
While power psychosis shares some similarities with narcissistic personality disorder, it's not solely a character trait but rather a syndrome triggered by the circumstances of having unchecked power.
It's also important to differentiate it from clinical psychosis, which can be caused by various factors, including mental illness, substance abuse, or trauma.
In summary, power psychosis is a complex phenomenon where unchecked power can lead to a distorted view of reality and impaired judgment, potentially resulting in harmful actions and behaviors.
Key Aspects of Power Psychosis:
Loss of Touch with Reality:
Individuals may experience delusions of grandeur, believing they possess exceptional power, knowledge, or abilities.
Distorted Perceptions:
They might see others as smaller, less significant, or as obstacles to be overcome.
Reduced Empathy and Social Reasoning:
Power psychosis can lead to a decrease in the ability to understand or consider the perspectives of others.
Increased Risk-Taking:
Individuals may make decisions that are reckless or that disregard potential consequences.
Inflated Self-Confidence and Reduced Inhibition:
They may become overly self-assured and less concerned with social norms or consequences.
Causes and Consequences:
Unchecked Power:
The syndrome is primarily linked to prolonged exposure to high levels of power, where individuals are not held accountable or have little to no limitations on their actions.
Impact on Others:
The behavior of individuals experiencing power psychosis can be detrimental to those around them, leading to harm, manipulation, and injustice.
Potential for Abuse:
Power psychosis can contribute to the abuse of authority and the exploitation of others.
Distinction from Other Conditions:
While power psychosis shares some similarities with narcissistic personality disorder, it's not solely a character trait but rather a syndrome triggered by the circumstances of having unchecked power.
It's also important to differentiate it from clinical psychosis, which can be caused by various factors, including mental illness, substance abuse, or trauma.
In summary, power psychosis is a complex phenomenon where unchecked power can lead to a distorted view of reality and impaired judgment, potentially resulting in harmful actions and behaviors.
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tsf couldn't pour piss out of a boot even with the instructions printed on the heel.
rubbersole
May 6
#5
he's gleefully and willfully destroying America. He's an old man with bottomless pit for adulation.
Demovictory9
May 6
#18
That's his genius, it's why they need him, no one else can manipulate the ignorant and uninformed like Trump.
sop
May 6
#26
Here in Florida/Sarasota, my husband tells me the somewhat scary part of what's happened.
chouchou
May 6
#9
Oh yeah...and it's like they're punching more holes in the wooden boat....out in the ocean of society.
chouchou
May 6
#22
Your words are true. Strange how people will choose dinner plates and glasses longer than a President.
chouchou
May 6
#21
"History will judge them harshly." Let's hope so. If so, I hope that Democrats & those on the Left
elocs
May 6
#23