72-Hour Observations

Weekend Psych News

CNN wants therapy records on mother
CNN host Nancy Grace and lawyers for the network are seeking the mental health treatment records of a patient to defend themselves against a wrongful death lawsuit. Melinda Duckett had reported her toddler missing in August 2006. Following news coverage about the event, the 21-year-old mother committed suicide, triggering a wrongful death lawsuit from Duckett's family against the network, who they claim "intentionally inflicted emotional distress." According to documents filed December network, records of Duckett's treatment from LifeStream Behavioral Center in Leesburg, Florida will prove relevant to the case. Read more about this developing story at Central Florida News 13 and the Orlando Sentinel.

Wyoming considers making the incompetent ready to stand trial
When Wyoming's legislature reconvenes on Janauary 13, lawmakers will consider legislation mandating serious criminal offenders take psychotropic medications if they've been declared incompetent to stand trial. Backers of the bill say it will bring state law into conformity with Supreme Court precedent. For more details, visit Montana's News Station site.

A few key mental health proponents won't be back in Congress
Some of the strongest champions of mental health legislation will be noticeably absent when the new Congress convenes on January 6. They include Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), and Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.). Read more at the American Psychiatric Association's website.

Hoarding as a crime
Fifty-two-year-old Cincinnati resident Charles O'Bryan is on probation for hoarding. The Daily Gleaner reports that O'Bryan was indicted on one count of aggravated arson and three counts of arson after a small fire had to be extinguished outside his house. He may one of the city's compulsive hoarders required to undergo counseling as a condition of probation, or face jail time.Sphere: Related Content