Full Measure After Hours: How America Fell Victim to a Mass Delusional Psychosis

Host: Sharyl Attkisson
Guest: Dr. Mark McDonald, Clinical Psychiatrist and Author
Release Date: January 30, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Full Measure After Hours, host Sharyl Attkisson engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Mark McDonald, a clinical psychiatrist and author of United States of How America Fell Victim to a Mass Delusional Psychosis. They explore the phenomenon of mass delusional psychosis in America, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lasting impacts on society.

The Rise of Mass Delusional Psychosis

Dr. McDonald begins by explaining how America became susceptible to a mass delusional psychosis, attributing it largely to the "weaponization of fear."

Dr. Mark McDonald [01:34]: "The weaponization of fear. Americans have become compliant. They've become adept at receiving signals to be afraid."

He discusses how fear can be manipulated to consolidate power, with individuals and groups leveraging national emergencies to push agendas that often require the public to relinquish certain freedoms. This compliance persists as long as fear remains a prevalent emotion among the populace.

The Weaponization of Fear in America

Dr. McDonald delves deeper into the mechanisms behind the spread of fear, highlighting its persistent presence since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Mark McDonald [01:39]: "We can see that fear has not left. Walk around the streets of any city in urban America... and you'll see approximately 20% of the people walking outside with masks on their faces in 2024, almost 2025."

He observes that the enduring use of masks years after the initial outbreak signifies that fear remains deeply rooted in American society, largely unchanged since 2020.

The Role of Media, Politicians, and Unions

The conversation shifts to identifying the actors driving this climate of fear. Dr. McDonald refutes conspiracy theories about secret groups orchestrating events from the shadows, instead attributing the phenomenon to a "crime of opportunity."

Dr. Mark McDonald [02:39]: "What I think happened was there was a confluence of opportunities among disparate groups who all had something to gain by instilling fear."

He points to the collaboration between politicians, media corporations, and powerful unions, such as the teachers' unions, which he claims played a pivotal role in enforcing prolonged school closures and other restrictive measures under the guise of public health.

Dr. Mark McDonald [03:57]: "The teachers unions primarily led the drive and supported the efforts of local politicians and health departments to shut the schools down for up to two years."

Impact of Chronic Fear on Health and Behavior

Dr. McDonald discusses the physiological and psychological toll of chronic fear on individuals, linking it to weakened immune systems and increased susceptibility to diseases.

Dr. Mark McDonald [04:23]: "Stress does two things. It does something to the body, which... is lowering immunity... and also long term disease like cancer... It also does something psychologically."

He explains how constant fear leads to obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, reduced productivity, and social withdrawal, which collectively contribute to a decline in both mental and physical health.

Influence of Technology and Social Media

The conversation turns to the role of technology, particularly smartphones and social media, in exacerbating societal issues.

Dr. Mark McDonald [09:29]: "The phone has really wrecked our culture. It's wrecked the adult culture. It's wrecked the child culture."

He attributes the rise in social issues such as obesity, anxiety, body dysmorphia, gaming addiction, drug overdoses, and even sex trafficking to the pervasive influence of smartphones and platforms like Snapchat. Dr. McDonald advocates for restricting smartphone access among youth as a potential solution to these problems.

Psychological Observations and Future Outlook

As the discussion progresses, Dr. McDonald reflects on the challenges of addressing the entrenched fear and lack of critical thinking in American society.

Dr. Mark McDonald [10:51]: "This was not an informational problem. This was a problem of an absence or at least temporary inability to think critically."

He emphasizes that merely providing correct information is insufficient when fear inhibits critical thinking. Instead, fostering curiosity is essential for individuals to remain open to new information and changes in perspective.

Looking ahead, Dr. McDonald expresses pessimism about the future of American culture, citing widespread cowardice and narcissism as barriers to meaningful reform.

Dr. Mark McDonald [12:57]: "I think we need to hold ourselves accountable. I think we need to acknowledge that America is not a virtuous country anymore. It's largely a country of cowards. It's a country of narcissists."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Dr. McDonald urging a collective acknowledgment of America's current state and the need for cultural reform. He stresses the importance of fostering critical thinking and reducing fear to overcome the pervasive mass delusional psychosis that he argues has taken hold of the nation.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Mark McDonald [01:34]: "The weaponization of fear. Americans have become compliant. They've become adept at receiving signals to be afraid."

• Dr. Mark McDonald [02:39]: "What I think happened was there was a confluence of opportunities among disparate groups who all had something to gain by instilling fear."

• Dr. Mark McDonald [04:23]: "Stress does two things. It does something to the body, which... is lowering immunity... and also long term disease like cancer... It also does something psychologically."

• Dr. Mark McDonald [09:29]: "The phone has really wrecked our culture. It's wrecked the adult culture. It's wrecked the child culture."

• Dr. Mark McDonald [10:51]: "This was not an informational problem. This was a problem of an absence or at least temporary inability to think critically."

• Dr. Mark McDonald [12:57]: "I think we need to hold ourselves accountable. I think we need to acknowledge that America is not a virtuous country anymore. It's largely a country of cowards. It's a country of narcissists."

Note: The views and opinions expressed by Dr. Mark McDonald in this episode represent his personal perspectives and analyses. Listeners are encouraged to consider multiple sources and viewpoints when forming their own understanding of these complex issues.