Steve Berry is the highly acclaimed, bestselling author of historical thrillers, including the Cotton Malone adventure series. His novels have been translated into forty languages and have sold in fifty-one countries. His newest novel, The King’s Deception, as do his other works, combines history with current day events and intrigue.
The Prescription
Steve was a 52 year old successful executive who looked downtrodden entering my office. He’d come reluctantly, and only because his wife insisted he “see someone.”
“She says I’m not living my life anymore,” he told me.
When asked what was going on, Steve said two years earlier, his dog of 14 years had died. His two kids were now out of the house, living on their own. His wife began teaching history at a community college, and he felt lonely, isolated and demoralized. “I don’t look forward to much,” he said, and added, “And don’t even think of prescribing pills for me because I’m not a pill-taker.”
James Holmes, Aurora & the Psychiatrist’s Dilemma
Lawyers for James Holmes, the man accused of killing 12 people and injuring 70 in an Aurora, Colorado movie theater, now say he will change his plea from “Not Guilty” to one of “Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity” (NGRI).
In an earlier post (Crimes, Criminals and the Insanity Defense), I described the basic components of such a defense. The defendant claims he either lacked the capacity to know right from wrong, or had a mental disorder when he committed the crime, causing an inability to act within the requirements of the law.
Medication Nation
As a physician and psychiatrist, I certainly have nothing against medications. Over the years, I’ve prescribed them, and have had a great deal of success when they’ve been used appropriately. But over the last few years, there’s been a dramatic change in the way we Americans view medications of all kinds. It’s worrisome.
Many of us know that certain bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics and now pose dangerous threats to hospitalized people. Infections with MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus) and C. diff (Clostridium difficile) have become major health hazards for hospitalized patients. These infections run rampant through hospital wards, and patients who came for some other problem can develop life-threatening infections. Other strains of bacteria are now difficult to eradicate once they take hold within the human body. They, too, are a considerable risk for anyone hospitalized.
Zealotry or Insanity
We don’t yet know the motivation(s) of the brothers involved in the Boston bombing. There is history that Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the older brother, was an isolated and embittered young man. We don’t know when or why that presumably happened. We don’t really know if this is true, as there have been contradictory statements about him.
He reportedly returned to Chechna and Dagestan last year, after living in the U.S. for many years. Both regions have militant separatist movements, and a history of having been at war with Russia. There are now reports that Tamerlan Tsarnaev returned to his homeland because of disenchantment with life in America. There is speculation that while there, he may have become “radicalized.”
Mark Rubinstein on Focus on Discussion
Mark Rubinstein’s Interview with Fran Lewis
Mark Rubinstein was a guest on Focus on Discussion with Fran Lewis on her special Thriller Thursday. He spoke with Fran Lewis about his recent novel, Mad Dog House, Mark’s forensic psychologist background, and his upcoming novel, Love Gone Mad. You can hear the full interview (Mark’s interview begins at 55:00) here.
Mark Rubinstein on “A Book and a Chat”
A Book and a Chat with Mark Rubinstein
Mark Rubinstein was a recent guest on “A Book and a Chat” on Blog Talk Radio. Mark spoke with host Barry Eva about his new novel, Mad Dog House, and his other writing projects. They primarily discussed the compelling characters of Mad Dog House and how the gripping plot and unexpected ending make for a thrilling read. You can read about the interview here and listen to the full interview here.
Mark Rubinstein on Experience Talks
Mark Rubinstein on Experience Talks
Mark Rubinstein was a guest on Experience Talks, a weekly public radio program that shares the experiences of dynamic baby boomers. Mark joined Michael John Garces and Peter Howard for a panel of “three men who know about the art of life.” You can listen to his full interview on the April 6th show here.
After Boston
Of course, we all know what happened at the Boston Marathon.
As a forensic psychiatrist, I’ve evaluated and worked with more than 300 survivors of the World Trade Center terrorist attack, and many others who lived through catastrophic incidents including explosions, fires, mass shootings, and other disasters. When an event occurs as a result of human design, it can make us lose faith in humanity and the reasonable predictability of daily life.
I’m quite familiar with the psychic toll these horrific assaults take on people. In Boston, some who were injured, or witnessed the deaths and injuries suffered by others, will develop the well-known signs and symptom of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Hopefully, with appropriate psychological help, they will negotiate the trauma, and in time, will go on with their lives.
Sidney Brought Out The Best
I was an unmarried practicing psychiatrist living in Manhattan. My best friend and nearly constant companion was Sidney, a 27 pound, adorable mutt I’d rescued from the pound. When I had a break between patients, I’d run back to my apartment—six blocks away—to walk him and keep him company. Aware that dogs are socially-oriented animals, I hated that Sid spent so much time alone, but I had to work.
One day, I was faced with a dilemma.
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