Opinion ID: 2050973
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Petitioner's Mental Health

Text: 59. In 1985, Petitioner met with Dr. Kenneth Smothers, a psychiatrist, for treatment for depression and to discuss concerns about Petitioner's difficulties in health and mood. Id. 101. Petitioner did not comply with the treatment recommended by Dr. Smothers. Id. 101-02. 60. On January 30 and February 17, 1995, at Bar Counsel's request, Petitioner met with Dr. Richard A. Ratner. BX 32 at 1. Dr. Ratner's psychological testing revealed that Petitioner had a moderately severe mental disorder. Id. at 5. Dr. Ratner's tests portrayed Petitioner as a narcissistic individual with an inflated sense of self-worth. Id. Petitioner used denial when faced with unpleasant circumstances and blamed others for his failures. Id. at 6. He fired three secretaries during the period and on one occasion yelled at a judge. Tr. I 43. At one point, he telephoned an opponent's secretary and yelled at her, calling her employer names. Id. 43-44. 61. In 1995, Petitioner experienced a depressive disorder resulting in a loss of self-confidence, dejection, and low self-esteem. BX 32 at 6; Tr. II 173. He also experienced anxiety symptoms, which manifested themselves physically as a rapid heart beat, sweating, muscular pains, and a feeling of being on edge. BX 32 at 6. 62. Petitioner exhibited signs of manic mood swings through his decreased need for sleep, restlessness, pressured speech and hyper-distractibility. BX 32 at 6; Tr. II 175. Dr. Ratner believed that whether Petitioner would accept treatment was a real toss-up based on . . . a narcissistic-injury. Tr. II 186. 63. Rev. Richard Simon testified that Petitioner was a wreck and went off in rages. Tr. I 52. 64. On February 7, 1996, Petitioner entered psychotherapy with Dr. Smothers. BX 33 at 2; Tr. I 102. Petitioner continued to receive weekly psychotherapy until August 5, 1998. Tr. I 102. His weekly sessions ended upon the loss of his health insurance. Id. 65. When Petitioner first entered treatment with Dr. Smothers in 1996, major depression appeared to be his primary problem. Id. 103. Dr. Smothers also diagnosed a personality disordernarcissistic with dependent features. Id. 66. Dr. Smothers placed Petitioner on Wellbutrin, an antidepressant, and Buspar, an antianxiety medication and antidepressant. BX 33 at 2; Tr. I 112. The medications were discontinued in late 1997, after Petitioner's symptoms went into remission. Tr. I 113. Petitioner also received Restoril to manage his insomnia, which was related to marital difficulties. BX 33 at 2. 67. By June 1998, Petitioner exhibited no active signs of depression. BX 33 at 2; Tr. I 104. Since he began psychotherapy in February 1996, Petitioner has improved in his recognition and acceptance of responsibility. BX 33 at 2. He also has experienced a significant decline in the use of defense mechanisms, and his decision-making ability has improved. Id. at 1; Tr. I 105. Rev. Simon testified that Petitioner had made progress by leaps and bounds. Tr. I 53. 68. Dr. Smothers testified that, in his opinion, Petitioner is fit to return to the practice of law. Id. 105. Although Petitioner's skills for coping with stress have improved, Dr. Smothers recommends that Petitioner receive supportive therapy for approximately six to eight months as he reintegrates back into law practice. Tr. I 105, 122. Dr. Ratner supports Dr. Smothers' recommendation that Petitioner receive supportive therapy if he is reinstated. Tr. II 194. Dr. Ratner also recommends a practice monitor. Tr. II 195. 69. Petitioner had marital difficulties stemming from the decline in his health and dissolution of his practice. Petitioner has reconciled with his wife and has undergone marriage counseling.