Doctor testifies on Hinckley mental state

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- A psychiatrist testified in Washington federal court that John Hinckley, the man who shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981, still has some mental problems.

Dr. Raymond Patterson treated Hinckley in the 1980s after he was found not guilty by reason of insanity by a federal court. Hinckley shot Reagan as well as then-press secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy and police officer Thomas Delahanty. All four survived.

Patterson told the court Tuesday Hinckley had a "sense of entitlement" and was "absorbed with himself." He said Hinckley "dives right in" to romantic relationships, but has a problem showing empathy, CNN reports.

Patterson said Hinckley continues to suffer from both narcissistic and schizoid personality disorders, while his issues with major depression and unspecified psychotic disorder are in full remission.

Patterson testified as a part of an effort by federal prosecutors to block a proposal by St. Elizabeth Memorial Hospital that would work towards Hinckley's possible release as a permanent outpatient.