WASHINGTON D.C. – A groundbreaking report released Wednesday by the Institute for Post-Truth Diagnostics (IPTD) has officially identified a new, highly contagious psychological affliction sweeping the Democratic Party: Chronic Trump-Induced Reality Aversion Disorder (CTIRAD). The diagnosis comes after numerous Democratic lawmakers and affiliated groups were observed engaging in 'counter-programming' during Tuesday evening's State of the Union address, a behavior Speaker Mike Johnson previously characterized as 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' on 'full display.'

Symptoms of CTIRAD, according to lead researcher Dr. Evelyn P. Snodgrass, Head of Existential Crises at IPTD, include 'an inexplicable urge to avoid televised events featuring a specific former president, often manifesting as impromptu knitting circles, competitive stamp collecting, or, in one documented case, a 45-minute deep dive into the etymology of the word 'kumquat.'' Dr. Snodgrass noted a 37% surge in 'alternative engagement strategies' during the SOTU, up from a baseline of 12% during the 2018 address.

One unnamed Democratic strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity from a secure bunker filled with artisanal cheeses, admitted, 'It's not that we don't have ideas, it's just that our ideas are currently trapped behind a mental firewall designed to prevent any direct exposure to… well, you know. We're developing a new policy platform based entirely on the interpretive dance of legislative intent.'

The IPTD recommends immediate cognitive re-calibration therapy, or, failing that, a robust schedule of cat videos.