The National Council Reflects on Mental Health Issues Involved in Iowa Coach Murder Case

    WASHINGTON, DC, April 05, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When a 24-year-old in Iowa killed a local coach in June of 2009, psychologists discovered mental illness, specifically schizophrenia, was the cause of the murder. Dr. J. Craig Allen, chief medical officer for Rushford and a psychologist with The National Council of Behavioral Healthcare, emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and education to prevent tragedies like the one in Iowa.

"At The National Council we offer perspectives on breaking news, including comments and articles on relevant topics, like this one," Dr. Allen said. "Using our expertise to analyze cases in the news allows us to promote awareness and education of mental health illness. The case in Iowa was an perfect example of how mental illness can go unnoticed and end tragically."

On March 6, 2010, 24-year-old Mark Becker was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting of Aplington-Parkersburg coach, Ed Thomas. Becker's mental health issues began as early as his sophomore year in high school. Dr. Allen said episodes often appear to be insignificant enough for a teenager and the family is not led to believe there is a severe situation- this was the case for the Beckers.

"Paranoid schizophrenia is a serious, chronic mental disorder characterized by delusional thinking and auditory hallucinations," Dr. Allen said. "A person diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia cannot be dissuaded from beliefs that someone is trying to control him, harm him or harm others, and often hears voices directing him to take action to defend himself or others."

Dr. Allen shared that Becker's first signs were pulling away from his family and friends. This is another common signal, and Becker's parents made the right decision by taking him to counseling. After a roller coaster of highs and lows, there was a devastating episode when Becker's parents had him committed for the first time. The family was not aware of the severity of Becker's mental health condition. In fact, a drug test revealed that Becker tested positive for amphetamines.

"Symptoms aren't always visible, and a person with paranoid schizophrenia can often, for periods of time, look normal and fit in with society," Dr. Allen said. "Drug use, including marijuana, amphetamines and alcohol, are considered stressors and can exacerbate the illness."

Unfortunately, the Becker family had little communication with doctors until it was too late. The first they heard of his paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis was in court during the murder trial. Through the years, they had committed him three times, but did not have a say in his treatment because Becker was an adult and therefore protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountablility Act of 1996.

According to Dr. Allen, the Act was designed to promote the confidentiality of information passed from one organization to another. However, for the Becker family, it prevented them from fully discussing Becker's psychotic episodes with his counselors and psychiatrists. From September 2008 to June 2009, Becker bounced around mental health care facilities in Iowa. Still, the family never knew if he was medicated or not, due to the restrictions of HIPPA.

"Treatment generally calls for a combination of anti-psychotic medication and ongoing psychosocial treatment," Dr. Allen said. "In addition, rehabilitation programs, day treatment programs, vocational programs, family therapy and support groups are typically necessary."

Unfortunately, it was not until after the shooting that Becker received proper help. He was prescribed three medications for his schizophrenia, and by the time of the trial, he was becoming his old self again.

The National Council, and Dr. Allen, educate about mental health issues and increase awareness of mental illness. The Council strives to prevent unfortunate cases like this one by promoting the signs of mental illness and providing ways to address issues at an early stage.

For more information about the National Council, please visit www.thenationalcouncil.org.

The National Council is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) association of 1,700 behavioral healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addictions disorders to nearly six million adults, children and families in communities across the country.

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