With the object failure of the recent missile launch of North Korea, one has to wonder if maybe, just maybe, this country will consider some modernization and help their own people.  The sad state of North Korea is what some may say,  a symbolic gesture of the de-facto end of communism.  Well, maybe.  Or it may reveal something deeper collectively about the psychology of North Koreans in general.

It is quite possibly, the entire nation of North Korean’s have Acute Stress Disorder or ASD.  This explanation may sound absurd initIally, but a closer examination will reveal some alarming similarities.  ASD is defined as follows; “Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a mental disorder that can occur in the first month following a trauma. The symptoms that define ASD overlap with those for PTSD. One difference, though, is that a PTSD diagnosis cannot be given until symptoms have lasted for one month. Also, compared to PTSD, ASD is more likely to involve feelings such as not knowing where you are, or feeling as if you are outside of your body.”

Does this not offer some explanation to the insanity that is North Korea?  In almost every country that has overtly obvious governmental issues, even one’s involving dictatorships, a rival or even an underground movement of opposition lurks.  Hell, even the Nazis had somewhat legitimate opponents.  But in north Korea, we hear of none.  Nothing, I can’t even find anything in history that even hints at an opposition party.

It defies logic that a country incapable of feeding it’s people, somehow has generationally, held all their people in contempt.  One would think the recent death of Kim Jong-il, the former Supreme Ruler, would lead to at least some suggestion of different leadership.  But besides some initial unconfirmed rumors on the internet, the transition from father to son seemed effortless.  The only logical conclusion, is the whole country, generation after generation, is brainwashed and by default, has a collective mental illness.  It may seem far fetched, but I find no other explanation worthy of objective consideration.

Most in the U.S, with some good reason, see North Korea as a security threat.  Well, I don’t ! Because they seem incapable of doing anything right.  This latest debacle proves my current opinion.  But with this latest malfunction also make’s one consider, is the theory I have just proposed; the people of North Koreas are suffering from Acute Stress Disorder.  These people seem to be psychologically pounded into submission.

So, what is the remedy to this diagnosis?

Well, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs, “a type of treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to have positive results. Research shows that survivors who get CBT soon after going through a trauma are less likely to get PTSD symptoms later. A mental health care provider trained in treatment for trauma can judge whether CBT may be useful for a trauma survivor.”

Furthermore, “another treatment called psychological debriefing (PD) has sometimes been used in the wake of a traumatic event. However, there is little research to back its use for effectively treating ASD or PTSD. It should also be noted that with more severe trauma or reactions such as PTSD, debriefing is not recommended.”

Do you get that?  Me either, but basically, the North Koreans are F#(|{ed!  Unless,  North Korea’s new leader, Kim Jong -Un is some kind of behavior specialists with intentions of healing his people, (which I doubt he is or wants to) then I see no theoretically plausible, hopeful solution for these people.

It is sad, but hopefully, South Korea eventually crosses the 38th parallel and reunites a nation of people that badly needs it.