There are two important articles in this week’s Psychology Update.

#1   After PTSD, More Trauma

DESCRIPTION:  “David J. Morris, a former Marine infantry officer, is the author of the forthcoming book “The Evil Hours: A Biography of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.”  Mr. Morris describes his life after serving in the military and suffering intense PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).   He describes his experiences with the VA (Veterans Administration) system in his attempt to get treatment.  Further, he elaborates on the treatment that made him worse not better.  He also discusses his road to recovery.

SOURCE:  New York Times by By David J. Morris

Date:   January 17, 2015
LINK TO RESOURCE:

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/17/after-ptsd-more-trauma/
(See DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AFTER NEXT ARTICLE)

#2   ‘American’ Sniper’ Jury Is Told of Troubled Ex-Marine Who Killed Chris Kyle

DESCRIPTION:  This article is a first in the series about the beginning of the trial of Eddie Ray Routh who shot Chris Kyle (American Sniper) and another marine.  The article provides details of Mr. Routh’s condition and diagnosis after leaving the military.  He was diagnosed as both schizophrenic and having PTSD, and has had a number of violent interactions.  The article juxtaposes the defense arguments regarding the insanity plea versus the prosecutor’s perspective that Mr. Routh essentially did not have a disorder and is purely guilty murder regardless of his diagnosis and mitigating circumstances.

SOURCE:  New York Times  by Manny Fernandez and Kathryn Jones

DATE:  February 11, 2015

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/12/us/eddie-ray-routh-on-trial-in-chris-kyle-murder.html?ref=topics

(shortened URL)   http://tinyurl.com/pgzdue2

#3 ‘American Sniper’ Jury Finds Ex-Marine Guilty of Murder –

DESCRIPTION:  The trial ended, and the jury found that Eddie Ray Routh is guilty of murder despite the data that he was diagnosed with both PTSD and schizophrenia.  He will be sentenced to life in prison.

SOURCE:  New York Times, February 27, 2015, by Manny Fernandez and Kathryn Jones

LINK TO RESOURCE

(shortened URL)   http://tinyurl.com/lnnscte

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is PTSD?  What are the causes, triggers, and symptoms?
What does the diagnosis entail?  That is, how is the diagnosis made?

•What is the insanity defense?   How is it determined?
(See the Websites of the week (for March 2, 2015) that are part of this update.)

•What types of therapy are employed for veterans who suffer PTSD as described by David Morris?  What is the efficacy of the treatment?  What are the pros and cons of each as described by the author?

•How are we to understand the point of view of the defense for Mr. Routh in their use of Psychological/Psychiatric data vs the denial of the data by the prosecutors?  What accounts for the clash between the scientific and the legal system?

•If we accept David Morris’ description of PTSD, the VA, and subsequent treatment, then how would you, the student, judge Mr. Routh if you were a member of the jury?