A doctor has testified that Myles Gray, who died during a police encounter in 2015, had been using unprescribed testosterone and that it could have exacerbated his bipolar disorder.
During a public hearing concerning Myles Gray's death during a police incident in 2015, his family physician, Dr. Christoffel Mentz-Serfontein, revealed that Gray had been injecting unprescribed testosterone and using black market anabolic steroids. The doctor assessed that although Gray had bipolar disorder, he did not exhibit violent behavior that could raise alarms, characterizing him instead as pleasant and courteous. This information sets a critical background for understanding Gray's psychological state leading up to his untimely death.
Dr. Mentz-Serfontein explained that the use of these steroids can lead to serious health implications, including elevated red blood cell count and cardiovascular risks. He stated that unregulated dosages from black market sources can be significantly higher than medically prescribed amounts. He warned that such use could potentially stabilize mood disorders like bipolar disease, hinting at the complexity and dangers posed by misleading steroid use in vulnerable individuals like Gray.
The testimony also pointed to the intricate connection between substance abuse and existing mental health conditions while underlining the importance of medical supervision when it comes to steroid use. The implications of Gray's case continue to resonate within discussions about police interactions with individuals suffering from mental health issues, stressing the need for better understanding and training for law enforcement in handling such situations without escalation.
