Opinion ID: 149617
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The State's Mental Health Expert, Dr. Thomas Sachy

Text: The State presented evidence that DeYoung did not have either dysthymia or schizotypal personality disorder. For example, after reviewing the same affidavits and records about DeYoung and his family, forensic neuropsychiatrist Dr. Thomas Sachy conducted a three-hour, in-person neuropsychiatric evaluation of DeYoung in April 2001. Dr. Sachy found no gross evidence of cognitive dysfunction consistent with a Schizophreniform disorder. Dr. Sachy saw no psychotic symptoms and found that DeYoung's thought processes were linear and goal directed throughout the interview. DeYoung displayed no evidence of odd or magical thinking, unusual perceptions, suspiciousness or inappropriate affect/behavior. DeYoung's reported leisure activities in prison demonstrated a level of social interaction uncharacteristic of Schizotypal [Personality Disorder]. Importantly, DeYoung also denied any symptoms of depression and demonstrated no evidence of clinically significant depression. DeYoung said he missed his parents. [16] Dr. Sachy also stressed that DeYoung did demonstrate signs of malingering behavior which only casts doubt upon the previous findings of Dr. Sultan. [17] Dr. Sachy concluded DeYoung was in constant control of his behavior, as evidenced by his meticulous planning of the murders. DeYoung had no documented history of ... a psychiatric diagnosis before the murders. Dr. Sachy expressly opined that DeYoung did not have either dysthymia or schizotypal personality disorder. [18]