Post Election Selection Depression or Post Election Selection Trauma also referred to as PESD or PEST is a phenomenon coined by a Boca Raton psychologist, Rob Gordon, referring to the depression he has seen in many of his patients since the re-election of President George W. Bush. Those afflicted are said by Gordon to be emotionally paralyzed, shocked, devastated, depressed and angry.

Elizabeth Foxman, a cognitive therapist in Delray, Florida, took issue with the AHA’s decision to label the Kerry-related stress as a new sort of trauma. “I don’t disagree with their diagnosis, but I wouldn’t use the word trauma,” Foxman said. “That’s a loaded term. I would say there’s more sadness and anxiety than trauma. My own patients have been stressed, but only one or two have mentioned the election as a topic in therapy.”

The American Health Association of Boca Raton, FL has officially released a list of the symptoms of the disorder, and the AHA has opened its doors for free counseling and treatments.