Jailed Mich. lawmaker expected to resign Senate seat

Discussion in 'Political Discussions' started by Abner, Apr 1, 2016.

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  1. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Another guy that messed up his nice plush job. I wonder if he was having a manic episode.

    Jailed Mich. lawmaker expected to resign Senate seat

    "DETROIT — Sen. Virgil Smith, a Detroit Democrat who began serving a 10-month jail sentence on a felony charge of malicious destruction of property over $20,000 for shooting up his ex-wife's vehicle during a dispute at his home, is expected to resign his seat in the state Senate on Friday".

    I do kind of feel bad for the guy though:

    "Smith suffers from bipolar depressive hypomanic disorder, had been in a car accident in 2014 that caused a traumatic brain injury and was recently treated for alcohol dependency".

    Unfortunately, in many instances meds don't work for individuals with conditions like bipolar disorder. People like this are what's called dual diagnosis and are prone to substance abuse disorder as well. Hopefully he will be able to kick his drinking problem while in jail and get some mental health treatment. Either way, he broke the law.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 1, 2016
  2. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    It's not that the medications don't work; it's that people with bipolar disorder typically don't believe they're bipolar and stop taking their medications.
     
  3. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    That's the case sometimes. However, each individual (those that are aware of their condition) reacts differently to those types of meds. What may work on one individual doesn't work on another individual. Some people are just drug resistant. Others find the right drug (sometimes after several years of experimentation) and are able to lead some what normal lives. The reality is that these drugs are not a magic pill that solve everything. Even when an individual finds a drug that works for many years, it can stop working altogether eventually. Definitely not a perfect science.

    Drug resistance:

    http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/bipolar-disorder/treatment-resistant-bipolar-disorder

    "Treatment resistance is extremely common. Even under optimal maintenance conditions, almost half of bipolar patients with symptom remission will have a recurrence in 2 years under standard care (including medication combinations).

    http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/bipolar-disorder/treatment-resistant-bipolar-disorder#sthash.n2DSf4Yc.dpuf
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 1, 2016
  4. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Being bi-polar is no defense, of course. Those people are mentally ill, but not insane.

    Shooting up the car. DWIs. Those are all choices. I'm not saying being bi-polar isn't anything; it's a big thing. But it doesn't affect the fact that he's making these choices.

    Sounds like he shot up a car she wasn't in. That's very good news.
     
  5. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    I agree, he broke the law and he should pay. As I said, I do feel a little bad for the guy though. Clinically, folks with conditions like bipolar or even PTSD (and associated disorders) are not considered insane. However, in some cases severe episodes related to these conditions can lead people to do some insane things.

    Back to the PTSD example. In this country, the PTSD epidemic is of epic proportions mainly affecting our veteran population. Through observation, I have learned that some individuals can learn to deal and live with their condition through meds and therapy. Others cannot. Many of these cases end in tragedy. Some end up on the streets and are unable to work due to the severity of their condition. Some commit suicide. Others go on shooting rampages and end up getting killed. Sadly, meds and things like therapy sometimes help, and sometimes don't.

    I will emphasize that my observations are just my opinion. My past assignment was assisting vets who were diagnosed with PTSD reintegrate back in to society. To be honest, the results weren't that great. I am not saying the solution is give these guys a pass because of their condition, but it gives one pause to think.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 1, 2016
  6. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    The big problem with manic people is, they enjoy being manic, it's a lot of fun, so they often don't take their medications. Of course, the inevitable crash afterwards isn't so fun.
     
  7. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    Another thing about bipolar individuals is that often they are so poor that they can't afford their meds.
     
  8. 03310151

    03310151 Active Member


    Obamacare took care of that.
     
  9. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    I'm still waiting for the promised $2,500 yearly reduction in my health insurance premiums.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 1, 2016

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