Nick Reiner has been open about his addictions, even collaborating with his famous father Rob Weiner about drug rehab and family tensions in the semi-autobiographical movie, “Being Charlie.” But in the days since the 32-year-old was charged with murder for the stabbing deaths of his parents Rob and Michele Reiner, a picture has emerged of a young man who was also beset by mental health problems. Tabloid news service TMZ reported that Nick has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, a complex psychotic disorder, while the New York Post quoted a family friend as saying Nick’s outbursts at age 11 were so severe he had to be restrained in bear hugs.
Psychologists at Northeastern University said people with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder tend to use alcohol and drugs more than the general population. And while the professors said they are not in a position to comment on Nick Reiner’s situation, they said that in general, substance use can play a role in delaying diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.