Psychiatrist describes Bergdahl mental disorders

A psychiatrist says Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl suffered from a schizophrenia-like condition that helped spur his decision to walk off his post in Afghanistan.

Dr. Charles Morgan testified Wednesday at a sentencing hearing for the 31-year-old Bergdahl on charges he endangered comrades. He faces up to life in prison.

Morgan testified that Bergdahl suffered from schizotypal personality disorder. Morgan said the disorder is similar to schizophrenia, but sufferers generally aren't psychotic. Morgan testified thaT, despite the disorder, Bergdahl knew right from wrong when he walked off his post -- intending to reach another base to report what he saw as problems with his unit.

Morgan said that Bergdahl has “a self-critical interior monologue” that he doesn't recognize as his own thoughts, but it's not the same as audible voices that schizophrenia sufferers hear.

Morgan noted that a symptom of the disorder is that Bergdahl has “trouble seeing the second- and third-order effects” of his actions and how they will impact other people.

(by Associated Press)