Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and could be at risk of suicide if he doesn't receive psychiatric treatment, a psychologist who examined Pistorius reported Wednesday to the court where he is on trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Compiled by one of four mental health experts who conducted a month long evaluation of Pistorius, the report states that Pistorius has a history of feeling insecure but "does not display narcissism of psychopathy," ABC News reported. The athlete spent a one month period as an outpatient at a psychiatric hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, after the court was told that the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Steenkamp could have been triggered by a generalized anxiety disorder.
Pistorius, a legless paralympian who gained fame as the "Blade Runner" for his prosthetics, has been accused of gunning down Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door in his home last year. While he has denied charges of premeditated murder, alleging that he mistook her for an intruder, the prosecution has argued that the athlete intentionally fired in an anger fueled rage.
The report concluded that the athlete was aware of right and wrong at the time of the shooting, the panel of three psychiatrists and one psychologist said. "He currently suffers from a post-traumatic stress disorder, and a major depressive disorder... The degree of anxiety and depression that is present is significant. He is also mourning the loss of Miss Steenkamp," defense lawyer Barry Roux read in court from the doctor's report. "Mr. Pistorius is being treated and should continue to receive clinical care by a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist for his current condition. Should he not receive proper clinical care, his condition is likely to worsen and increase the risk for suicide," the report said.
However, Prosecutor Gerrie Nel argued that Pistorius' decision to fire four shots through a locked bathroom door due to generalized anxiety disorder would be dismissed by the panel's findings, according to ABC News.
Meanwhile, the report added that Pistorius appeared to have genuine feelings towards Steenkamp. "No evidence could be found to indicate that Mr. Pistorius has a history of abnormal aggression or explosive violence. Abnormal aggression and violence was never incorporated in his personality... He does not display the personality characteristics of narcissism... that are mostly associated with men in abusive relationships and have been linked to rage-type murders in intimate relationships," the report stated
Pistorius, who is free on bail, faces 25 years to life in prison if found guilty of premeditated murder, but he could also be sentenced to a shorter prison term if convicted of murder without premeditation or negligent killing. Additionally, he faces separate gun-related charges. The high profile trial is fast reaching its end.
