Doctor: Pistorius Affected by PTSD, Suicidal Thoughts

(ATR) The doctor who evaluated Oscar Pistorius the past month says the Paralympian is depressed, a suicide risk, and has post-traumatic stress disorder.

"When Mr. Pistorius's appraisal of the situation is that he might be physically threatened, a fear response follows that might seem extraordinary when viewed from the perspective of a normal- bodied person, but normal in the context of a disabled person with his history," doctors said in the report Pistorius' evaluation.

Barry Roux, Pistorius' defense lawyer, read the report to the court Wednesday.

Pistorius' doctor says the athlete does not have a history of past aggression or a predisposition to killing such as "rage-type murders in intimate relations."

CNN's head legal analystKelly Phelps believes the diagnosis is a huge victory for the defense team, who claims Pistorius mistook his girlfriend for an intruder thus not intending to kill her.

"The degree of anxiety and depression that is present is significant. He is also mourning the loss of Miss Steenkamp," doctors added in the report.

"Should he not receive proper clinical care, his condition is likely to worsen and increase the risk for suicide."

The findings of the new report contradict the one presented Monday stating Pistorius did not have a mental disorder at the time of the killing.

Roux said the report shows Pistorius did not have explosive rage, which the prosecution has tried to use to paint him as abusive. Rather, Pistorius has a history of insecurity due to his prosthetic legs.

On March 3, Pistorius pleaded not guilty to one charge of murder and a firearms charge associated with Steenkamp's killing. If convicted, the Olympic sprinter faces 25 years in jail.

Written by Aaron Bauer

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