Appendix C-3 Sample Mental Status Examination (Dr. Mayhew)

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APPENDIX C-3 Sample Mental Status Examination (Dr. Mayhew)

DRS. THURMOND, TALLMAGE & LONG

Psychiatric Clinic

3902 W. Broad St.

Claymore, MD 20125

MARTIN MAYHEW, Ph.D.

Forensic Psychologist

Direct Dial: 301-622-0912

REPORT AND EVALUATION

To: Edward N. Delafield, Esq.

From: Martin Mayhew, Ph.D.

Date: August 22, 2008

Subj: Mental Status Examination, Daniel E. Sickles

Introduction:

Patient: Sickles, Daniel Edward

Date of Birth: October 29, 1971

Address: 303 Ellsmere Dr., Augusta, NY 10045

Personal Data: Mr. Sickles is 38 years old. He is married and has one child, a daughter. In April, he was seen by Dr. Bartlett at the District Hospital under Court Order dated March 29, 2008, evaluating him for purposes of determining Sickles's mental capacity to form intent to commit an offense on February 27, 2008. Doctor Bartlett concluded that Sickles was able to know and appreciate the consequences of his actions on February 27, 2008. Doctor Bartlett also assigned an Axis II diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder (DSM-IV).

Current Situation: Mr. Sickles is currently incarcerated at the Northumberland County Detention Center awaiting trial.

Structure of Examination: Congressman Sickles consented to the examination process and to release of this evaluation when completed. It was made clear to Sickles that the report and my conclusions would also be given to the Prosecutor under relevant law. Mr. Sickles was instructed to answer only the questions that he felt comfortable answering. I explained to him that he could refuse to answer any and all questions and to refuse to participate in the interview and review process. He agreed to participate in the interview, testing, and evaluation process.

My conclusions are based on the following data:

1. Initial interview with Mr. Sickles on June 22, 2008;
2. Follow-up interview of Mr. Sickles on June 26, 2008;
3. Second follow-up interview of Mr. Sickles on June 30, 2008;
4. The results of laboratory testing conducted at District Forensic Hospital during Mr. Sickles's admission in April reported in Dr. Bartlett's report;
5. Neurological examination by Dr. Edward Nordquist, M.D. reported by Dr. Bartlett;
6. Physical examination by Dr. Ragid Amad, M.D. reported as no significant abnormalities by Dr. Bartlett;
7. Records and reports of the District Metro Police Department concerning the death of Mr. Key;
8. Records of St. Mary's High School, Augusta;
9. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale administered April 24, 2008, at Western State Hospital;
10. Psychological testing done at Western State Hospital in April, 2008;
11. Additional psychological testing done by Dr. Elizabeth Chenn, Ph.D., under my supervision at the Northumberland Detention Center on 26-30 June, 2008; and
12. Interviews with Mrs. Sickles, Ms. Bridget Duffy, and George Wooldridge conducted July 26-28, 2008

Pertinent Background: Mr. Sickles is a member of Congress for the 3rd District of this state in his second term of office. His profession is attorney and counselor at law.

Dr. Amad's April 2008 physical examination showed no significant abnormalities and was not replicated at this time.

Dr. Nordquist's neurological work up, EEG, and CAT scan performed in April 2008 showed no significant abnormalities and no new neurologic exam was requested at this time.

Past Psychiatric History:

Prior hospitalizations for mental diseases or disorders: None.

Prior incidents of severe psychosocial trauma: None.

Current symptomology: After learning of his wife's involvement with another man, Sickles suffered a brief psychotic reaction associated with ingestion of up to a quart of whiskey and barbiturates that are confirmed by police records of blood samples taken at the time of his arrest. Sickles does not recall any of the events of 26-27 February after ingesting alcohol and barbiturates on the night of February 16 in his bedroom.

Family History: Sickles is a white male born October 20, 1971, in Augusta. He was the eldest of two children of George G. Sickles and Susan Marsh Sickles of Augusta. Mr. Sickles, Sr., was an attorney with the Rorbach firm in Augusta. He also was involved in real estate development and sales. Mrs. Sickles was from a very prominent family. Her father was a justice of the state Supreme Court, and she did not work outside the home, although she was a volunteer helper at Augusta General Hospital and active in many charities in Augusta.

A 1980 Stanford-Binet from school records gave a stated mental age of 13-4 at age 9 indicating a near genius IQ of 140.

Mr. Sickles's childhood history is remarkable for a number of reasons. His father was cold and distant, preoccupied with work. Sickles believes his father had no real interest in his development and cared little for him. Sickles also believes that his father favored his younger brother, Roderick, and spent much more time with the younger sibling than with him. Rod Sickles was a promising high school athlete which his father seemed to take pride in, while Daniel was not athletically gifted. Sickles states he understands his father but volunteers...