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‘She’s a helper, her whole life is helping’: Expert weighs in on Michelle Carter texting suicide case
Carter is accused of convincing her boyfriend to commit suicide
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The Michelle Carter Texting Suicide case continues today with the defense bringing in psychiatrist Dr. Peter Breggin.
Breggin opened his testimony by explaining the brain is not fully developed until a person is in their early 20s, and is therefore more likely to be negatively affected by anti-depressants.
“The young brain is simply more susceptible to harm from the SSRIs,” Breggin said.
SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a class of drugs used to treat depression and anxiety.
Breggin suggests the harm from SSRIs can result in a person being less empathetic and unable to make good decisions.
Breggin’s testimony has been controversial because of his unconventional beliefs about the use of psychiatric drugs to treat mental illness. He does not believe in the use of prescription drugs, and instead suggests therapy as a solution. Judge Lawrence Moniz allowed Breggin to testify because of his expertise on the drug Celexa, which both Carter and Roy may have used.
According to Breggin, Roy’s consistent discussion of his desire to commit suicide likely led Carter to believe his suicide was inevitable, which would be insufferable for Breggin who wants to help.
“She’s a helper. Her whole life is helping,” Breggin said about Carter.
Breggin claims Carter tried to help Roy by sending him emails with information about how to handle anxiety and social phobia.
Carter, whom Breggin calls a “very troubled youngster” with suicidal tendencies due to her use of SSRIs, was simply following Roy’s “lead into a very dark place,” when discussing his suicide Breggin said.
Breggin also claims Carter was in “a very dependent and helpless relationship” with Roy, because he consistently says he won’t commit to her but he keeps talking with her.
Carter is accused of convincing her boyfriend, Conrad Roy, to commit suicide in multiple text message exchanges which can be read here. Carter is currently pleading not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter.
The prosecution alleges Carter pushed Roy to commit suicide as a way of gaining attention for herself.
babe will be following the Michelle Carter texting suicide case with further updates on the trial.