Quote:
Originally Posted by geis
SSRI's causing mania and/or psychosis is a well-documented phenomenon. Why should insanity caused by legally prescribed drugs be treated any differently than insanity caused by organic brain dysfunction? As far as we know, it's the same neurochemical process, and since the defendant took the drugs with a doctor's prescription (i.e., not with the intention of getting high), it's really no different than if he had a non-drug-induced manic or psychotic episode.
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I don't think that SSRI induced psychosis is well documented.
SSRI induced mania or hypomania is pretty well studied. I believe it is much more likely to happen in someone already somewhere on the scale of bi polar as opposed to uni polar.
In fact the DSM V has broadened it's definitions saying AD induced mania or hypo mania along with other things could give you a diagnosis somewhere on the bi polar spectrum. "Switched mania", "Mixed Mania".
I have had AD triggered hypo mania. At one time I had a diagnosis of bi polar II. The last time I was diagnosed I didn't tell them everything so came out with MDD. In reality I think I am somewhere on the bi polar scale. AD induced hypo mania being one piece of evidence among others.
The neuro chemical processes are not really known whether it be drug induced mania and psychosis or natural mania and psychosis. And no way to look into the guys brain and see what is going on and what causes what. They know much much more than ever but it is not well understood.
*PeaceLily*- I said troubling because I initially mistakenly thought there were no consequences.
I say unusual because I am willing to bet that it is unusual in case law.
Its a difficult area for the law. I have always believed that organic brain dysfunction plays a role in much crime and the system has never really taken that into account and tried to help people. Or if it is a case of legally prescribed drugs that have caused it then it should be taken into account. Things like that are hard to prove.
I have always believed that all prisoners should be helped and rehabilitated. Our system is horrible. In many cases rehabilitation is not possible. At least by what is known today.
Even the worse mass murderer I would never say is evil. I think there is something seriously wrong with them and it may very well be organic brain dysfunction.
We do have a right and a duty to protect ourselves and hold people accountable however.