Replay: Therapist testifies kidnapping suspect suffered from depression, anxiety

UPDATE: An Iowa City psychotherapist testified Thursday that Keith Elson Jr. suffered from major depressive and anxiety disorder and substance abuse when she treated him in 2008 and 2009.

Janiece Piltingsrud, a psychotherapist at Community Mental Health Center in Iowa City, said Elson was unsatisfied with his life and he wanted to change. He talked about abuse he suffered by his father as a child, and felt guilt and sorrow about his life.

“I think the abuse was a significant and contributing factor for the problems in his life,” Piltingsrud testified.

The defense rested after Piltingsrud testified. Court was in recess until 1 p.m., when the state will have a rebuttal witness and then closing arguments will follow.

Elson, 56, charged with first-degree kidnapping, is accused of abducting Amanda Daniel, 20, from the Kwik Shop, 1001 1

^st

Ave. SW, and sexually assaulting her at his apartment May 17, 2010.

Elson isn't disputing the kidnapping and sexual assault, only that he was heavily intoxicated and he couldn't form specific intent to commit the crime.

Piltingsrud said she initially saw Elson in 2005 and 2007 a few times, but he didn't start regularly coming to treatment until April 2008 and continued through April 2009.

“I asked him what would be different this time, and he said he wanted to work and he was done with substance abuse,” Piltingsrud said.

Mike Lahammer, Elson's attorney, asked Piltingsrud if she diagnosed Elson with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Piltingsrud said she didn't, but “in retrospect I should have.” She said Elson still had dreams about the abuse and he couldn't cope with things.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Burns asked on cross examination what the symptoms were for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder.

Piltingsrud said feeling empty and hopeless, lack of energy, tenseness, sleep disturbances and feeling on edge.

Burns asked if Elson was able to keep his train of thought. Piltingsrud said yes, but sometimes he would break down and cry.

Burns then asked if she thought Elson was a danger to others or himself, or if he had hallucinations or heard voices.

Piltingsrud said no she didn't think he was a danger to others and he wasn't hearing voices or having hallucinations.

Continue foll0wing live coverage from the courtroom this afternoon: