mentally deranged

USAGE SUMMARY

'mentally deranged' is acceptable and usable in written English.
It usually refers to people with severe mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or dementia. Example sentence: The detective suspected the crime was committed by a mentally deranged individual.

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I would focus, if we're dealing with mentally deranged individuals, on our mental health system.

BBC

If your lover dismisses their past relationships with excuses that their former partners were all abusive, mentally deranged, or manipulative, be wary of their mental state.

WikiHow

"Clearly we are dealing with a mentally deranged person who should be recovered in a mental institution," Dr. Croce wrote.

The New York Times - Science

Sociopaths and the mentally deranged.

The New Yorker

Kim countered by labelling Trump a "mentally deranged U.S. dotard".

The New Yorker

That we are mentally deranged or spiritually possessed.

The New Yorker

They promote the Fake Book of a mentally deranged author, who knowingly writes false information.

The Washington Post

"I will surely and definitely tame the mentally deranged U.S. dotard with fire," he said.

The New Yorker

He was sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment, to be served in an institution for mentally deranged criminals.

Columbia University

Candidates shall not point rotating index fingers at their own temples to imply that opponent is mentally deranged.

The New Yorker

In the early months of the crisis, officials sought to demonize self-immolators as terrorists or mentally deranged people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In journalistic or academic writing, prioritize accuracy and respect by using clinically appropriate terms when possible, such as "suffering from a mental disorder" or "experiencing a mental health crisis".

Common error

Avoid using "mentally deranged" casually or in contexts that perpetuate harmful stereotypes about mental illness. Always prioritize respectful and accurate language that acknowledges the complexity of mental health conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mentally deranged" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone with severe mental instability or illness. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, primarily in News and Media sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mentally deranged" is used as an adjective phrase to describe someone experiencing a severe disturbance in their mental state. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically acceptable and very common, particularly in News & Media, it carries strong negative connotations. Due to this, it is essential to consider less stigmatizing and more accurate alternatives such as ""mentally unstable"" or "suffering from a mental disorder" in professional or sensitive contexts. Prioritize respectful and accurate language when discussing mental health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentally unstable

Focuses on the lack of mental equilibrium, suggesting a temporary or fluctuating condition rather than a permanent state.

suffering from a mental disorder

Emphasizes a clinical and diagnostic perspective, reducing potential stigma by focusing on a medical condition.

experiencing a mental health crisis

Highlights an acute and urgent situation, framing the condition as a temporary crisis requiring immediate attention.

of unsound mind

A more formal and legalistic term, often used in legal or official documents related to mental capacity.

having a psychological condition

A broader and less stigmatizing way to refer to a mental health issue, suitable for general discussions.

mentally unwell

A straightforward and empathetic way to describe someone experiencing mental health difficulties.

displaying signs of mental illness

Focuses on observable behaviors and symptoms, rather than labeling the individual directly.

emotionally disturbed

Suggests a disruption in emotional regulation and stability, potentially stemming from various causes.

mentally unbalanced

Emphasizes the disruption of mental equilibrium but sounds antiquated.

afflicted with madness

An archaic term highlighting a state of extreme mental derangement, not typically used in modern language.

FAQs

What does "mentally deranged" mean?

"Mentally deranged" is a phrase used to describe someone with severe mental health issues or someone who is considered to be insane. However, it's important to note that this term can be stigmatizing and is not a clinically recognized term.

How can I use "mentally deranged" in a sentence?

While the phrase can be used to describe a mental state, consider using it carefully due to its negative connotations. For example, "The suspect was described as "mentally unstable"." or "The official explanation of the attacks—that they were the work of one "mentally disturbed" person—was ridiculed by Coptic leaders and intellectuals."

What are some alternatives to saying "mentally deranged"?

Alternatives include ""mentally unstable"", "suffering from a mental disorder", or "experiencing a mental health crisis", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use the term "mentally deranged" in professional writing?

In professional writing, it's generally best to avoid the term "mentally deranged" due to its stigmatizing nature. Instead, opt for more clinical and respectful language, such as "of unsound mind" or "having a psychological condition", depending on the specific context.