Posted by mcman on March 8, 2000, at 15:23:32
In reply to Re: Prozac Defense Brings Acquittal, posted by Lynne on March 8, 2000, at 13:57:44
For those who are not bipolar, please listen: An antidepressant can send a person who is bipolar into a manic or psychotic state where anything is possible. People who are bipolar generally require a mood stabilizer to be taken in conjunction with an antidepressant. I had the experience of being misdiagnosed as depressive, prescribed an antidepressant, and two days later I was in orbit. As to what is possible in a manic or psychotic state, we tend to be pretty good at wrecking our lives, and in light of some of the things we have done, robbing a bank is not some crazy idea. Consider the facts of the case: He was an insurance agent. His family had a history of bipolar. He had been prescribed three times the usual dosage. Now I realize that Prozac and other antidepressants have been lifesavers for many of you, but you need to know that for certain people they can present a horrible and unexpected danger. I for one applaud Judge Arnold for his sensitive and courageous decision. I also condemn the Hartford Courant who in their March 3 editorial demonstrated profound ignorance in what they saw as another example of a "Twinkie defense."
poster:mcman
thread:25642
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/26382.html