July 18th, 2009
What killed Michael Jackson? The pop icon died last month of what was determined to be an apparent heart attack, and a rep from L.A. Coroners office told “The Insider” it might be another two weeks before the toxicology report is finished. Were prescription drugs to blame? Is a psychiatric autopsy required? “This is an evolving story,” says Steven E. Pitt, an expert in forensic and general psychiatry. “If in fact you believe even a fraction of the stories [in the news] as being accurate and correct, it would suggest that there was some type of physiologic dependence on narcotic analgesic medication, more commonly referred to as pain medications.” Reports have surfaced alleging that Jackson had multiple prescription drugs in his home, many of which were under other people’s names. Pitt weighs in, telling “The Insider,” “The issue is not whether it’s common or uncommon for someone to be prescribed multiple medications, the issue is in what amounts and dosages, and how frequently are they taking those medications. That’s where the rubber meets the road, and that’s where the toxicology results are going to become so important and vital.” “My suspicion is that the toxicology reports are going to look like a Walgreens pharmacy,” he adds. As for the concept that Jackson was surrounded by “enablers,” he says, “I am forever amazed that individuals who otherwise exercise terrific common sense and terrific judgment in all other kinds of contexts somehow lose their way when they are around celebrities.” A psychiatric autopsy has also been mentioned as a possible aspect of the investigation, and Pitt explains, “A psychiatric autopsy is a retrospective analysis of a [deceased individual's] mental state and behavior during the weeks, days, and hours leading up to death; it is often used as a complement to an autopsy.” He cites family, friends, co-workers and medical records, videos, photographs and personal writings as “very helpful in answering the question, ‘What was the [deceased individual's] mental state like prior to death?’” Watch “The Insider” for the latest news in the Michael Jackson investigation…
