Did Andrea Yates Have Schizophrenia - 878 Words

Did Andrea Yates have schizophrenia? On July 30, 2001, Andrea was indicted on two counts of capital murder for the deaths of Noah (seven), John (five), and Mary (six months),but not for the deaths of her other two children, Luke (three) and Paul (two). In this paper we will discuss Andrea Yates behaviors, treatments and court case where she was found not guilty by reason of insanity. After Andreas first pregnancy, in 1994, she started experiencing postpartum depression. She experienced hallucinations and a striking vision of a knife and her stabbing someone. She never revealed this to anyone until after her arrest, when she told her husband, Rusty. As research shows, postpartum depressed or psychotic women often feel ashamed or†¦show more content†¦Many people with schizophrenia never learn how to deal with their problems and in the case of Andrea Yates that was one of her problems. Early treatment and therapy could have prevented a tragedy like this one. Denial from her family also plays an important factor in this case. Andrea should have been institutionalized and forced to treatment, way long before she deteriorated in such manner. Her husband was in denial and probably her immediate family too. They are to blame as much as her for this tragedy. A big question will remain forever unanswered. Did Andrea Yates know she was doing something wrong whe n she drowned her children? Only God and her really know the answer. Personally I believe she knew she was doing something wrong. She just didn’t know how to deal with it. Having schizophrenia or a psychotic sickness does not exempt anyone from doing bad things. I guess living for the rest of your life knowing you killed all of your children is punishment enough. All we can learn from this case is that the main goal is help the person with schizophrenia learn to sort out the real from the unreal and hopefully with the advances in today’s science there will be better treatment in the future. Reference Andrea yates found not guilty by reason of insanity. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org Lavendera , E. (2002, Fredburary 27). Russell yatesShow MoreRelatedEssay on Andrea Yates: the Hand That Rocked the Cradle1034 Words   |  5 PagesAndrea Yates: The Hand That Rocked The Cradle Noble Woods III PSY 303 Abnormal Psychology Julie  Bruno 19 September 2011 In 1964 Andrea Yates was born into a Roman Catholic family. She had had a normal upbringing. Andrea graduated valedictorian of her class in 1982. After high school Andrea continued her education and became a Registered Nurse. In 1984 Andrea met Russell â€Å"Rusty† Yates. The couple dated and eventually fell in love. They married in 1993, and started a family. 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