Insiders close to the family of Hollywood director Rob Reiner have revealed disturbing new details about the mental state of his son, Nick Reiner, in the months before he allegedly killed his parents.
A Worsening Mental Health Condition
According to sources who spoke to TMZ, Nick Reiner had been struggling with schizophrenia, a serious mental illness, and his condition was deteriorating. He was under the care of a psychiatrist in Los Angeles in an attempt to manage the illness.
His behaviour had reportedly become 'alarming' and 'erratic' in recent times. In a bid to address his complex needs, Nick had been attending a high-end rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles that specialises in substance abuse treatment. The cost of this facility is reported to be a staggering $70,000 per month.
The Crucial Change in Medication
The situation took a drastic turn, sources allege, when his doctors decided to alter his psychiatric medication. This change is said to have had a severe adverse effect.
One insider described Nick as being 'out of his head' following the adjustment to his prescription. The alteration reportedly made him more unstable and unpredictable, escalating his behaviour to a point where he was perceived as 'dangerous'.
The Tragic Alleged Outcome
This period of heightened instability and perceived danger occurred in the weeks leading up to the alleged murders of his parents, film icon Rob Reiner and his mother, Michelle. The case has cast a stark light on the complexities and potential crises involved in treating severe mental health conditions.
The revelations raise urgent questions about care protocols and the management of medication for individuals experiencing acute phases of illnesses like schizophrenia. The tragedy underscores the profound challenges faced by families navigating the mental health system during a crisis.
