Sympathy for Blagojevich

Last night, Rachel Maddow wondered if Gov. Blagojevich might have mental problems.  That's not an unreasonable possibility.  I'm guessing bipolar.  On the Maddow show, State Rep. Joe Lyons, Democrat of Illinois, talked about the unusual behaviors reflected by Blagojevich during the course of the legislative session such as calling meetings with little preparation and insisting on decisions being made without adequate legislative preparation.  That would fit with bipolar.    

People with bipolar disorder often display erratic behaviors and have grandiose thoughts.  Blagojevich thought that, even though he was under investigation, he had a shot at being Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Obama administration.  Blagojevich thought he might even be a candidate for president in 2016. 

Grandiosity is not a rare characteristic in politicians, of course, but it does seem strange that Blagojevich could have thought that a fellow with a 9% approval rating in his home state might be presidential fodder down the road. 

People with bipolar disorder, however, often have a sense that they are "special."  This would explain Blagojevich' mind-boggling behavior in speaking so freely, and rather crazily, at the same time you know you're being watched.  Sometimes people with bipolar disorder have a sense that they are superior, untouchable, can't be caught.

People with bipolar disorder are often quick to take offense.  In the Fitzgerald affadavit, Blagojevich seems to fly off the handle quite a bit.  Again, this is not unknown among politicians.  Blagojevich' reactions, however, seem excessive, out-of-proportion to the actual incident.  There is often an "over-the-top" quality in people with this disorder--reactions to many things that are slightly, often more than slightly, out-of-sync and excessive.

People with bipolar disorder often have high energy, and often are high achievers.  They are often charming and out-going.  It is not surprising that they could be quite successful at politics.  On the other hand, they are often touchy and sensitive to perceived slights.  A politician with bipolar disorder would have enemies, either real or imagined.

Bipolar sufferers often have difficulty with normal levels of stress.  A politician--especially a Chicago politician--might very well become psychologically debilitated from excessive stress.  Politicians do have real enemies, after all, and many occasions of feeling pressured, unappreciated, slighted.  All this would be exacerbated with bipolar disorder.

The Fitzgerald affadavit indicates that Blagojevich no longer had much interest in being Illinois governor.  He was looking for something more interesting with more money.  (Bipolar sufferers often have difficulty with money.)  This, too, would fit with bipolar.  Most people would not find the job of state governor to be boring.  A person with bipolar well might.

If this is indeed the case, Gov. Blagojevich suffers from a significant affective disorder.  Bipolar is not a moral lapse, but a biochemical condition.  It can, however, be treated successfully.      

Comments

[Chris]

You were a therapist in a former life, right? I'd tread carefully, however, in making such diagnosis from afar (how did that work out for Sen. Frist?).

I'm also a bit taken by your description of bipolar: "People with bipolar disorder often have high energy, and often are high achievers. They are often charming and out-going." Many of my early Candidacy Process reports cited with concern my high energy and enthusiasm (I think they wondered if I were bipolar, but unwilling to ask the question outright). I truly believe a half-baked understanding of mental health - along with some questionable synod practices - made my first few years in Candidacy unnecessarily troublesome.

Perhaps the Gov. is suffering from bipolar, and if so it certainly is tragic for him, his family, and the people of Illinois. But . . . having some experience in this regard makes me very sensitive to this issue.

[Hypatia]

I'd be skeptical without further details. Diagnosis of such ailments can be difficult even for doctors with longtime contact with the patient. (Also, whenever a politician does something really wild like this people speculate about whether he's nuts, and often as not he turns out to be just fine, only crooked.)

[debdiva]

As a lay person (on many levels including therapy), I'd have to say nobody in their right mind would think they could get away with what he thought he could get away with knowing what he knew about the investigation. Was he exhibiting characteristics of bipolar, improperly medicated depression or narcissism? The diagnosis is irrelevant unless he pleads insanity when it comes to trial, isn't it?
One might pray that he gets proper help for his personal demons whatever they might be. It certainly can't help to hear that the powers that be in his denomination want to distance themselves from him.

[John Petty]

Hypatia, It's interesting that you consider a mental disorder, which he can't help, to be a more damning charge than being a crook.

Chris, I think it's appalling that synod candidacy committees would discriminate against the mentally ill. I realize it's not that unusual. (I've seen it in our synod as well.) That's not unusual in institutions, of course. They're motivated to take the "safe" route. I doubt Luther or Paul could pass muster with most candidacy committees today.

Sure, diagnosing from afar should always be taken with a grain of salt. If others, however, who are not qualified, can speculate about it on national television, then I figure it's fair game.

[John Petty]

Deb, I would guess that the insanity defense is where he'll wind up.

I don't see him as either narcissistic, or depressed, or, as some have said, sociopathic. (What politician isn't narcissistic?)

[Hypatia]

I didn't realize I'd said that. Depression runs in my family on one side, as it happens. A close relative was hospitalized for it.

[Joye Chizek]

80% of people with bipolar are able to name one or more near relatives with it, depression, suicide, adiction or some other form of major mood disorder that would interfere with normal function. Bipolar is a genetic physical illness much like diabetes. Is any of this evendent in the Governor's known relatives?

[Judith McArthur]

I actually do suffer from Bi-Polar Disorder, as do many of my family members and I agree with John Petty, particularly when I heard that his staff says the Governor often will not come out of his office. I see Bi-Polar Disorder in Blagojevich because I see myself exhibiting all of his behaviors -and more - if I were not medicated. Scary part is that un-medicated, suicide is a very real danger. I hope someone comes to his aid before he crashes.

[John Petty]

I hope so too. Thanks for your visit, Judith.

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