California doctor who drove family off cliff had psychotic break, therapist says [Video]

A psychologist has testified that Dharmesh Patel, the California radiologist accused of intentionally driving his family off a cliff, was experiencing a psychotic break at the time of the incident.

Key points:

Patel, 43, was suffering from major depressive disorder accompanied by delusions when the incident took place, according to psychologist Dr. Mark Patterson.
The Indian-origin Pasadena man previously requested for a mental health diversion program, which could dismiss his charges after treatment.
His medical license has been suspended pending the trial outcome.

The details:

Patel drove his Tesla off a cliff with his family inside at Devil’s Slide on Highway 1 on Jan. 2, 2023. He sustained injuries to his leg and foot, while his then-41-year-old wife and 7-year-old daughter suffered more serious injuries. His 4-year-old son sustained bruises.
He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges the following month, attributing the incident to tire issues. However, witnesses reported that the vehicle did not appear to brake before …

Tags Psychiatric Hospitalization, Psychotherapy, Relaxation Techniques, Virtual Reality Therapy