Alexander Niss

Alexander Niss testified for the defense on Day 58 about his psychiatric treatment of Anzor Tsarnaev during approximately 28 visits from 2003 through 2005. Questioned by Judy Clarke, he described PTSD and separate cognitive concerns. He interpreted a cognitive score of 25 out of 30 as impairment rather than dementia and later included encephalopathy as an additional diagnosis.

Niss described repeated medication adjustments that improved paranoia and panic attacks while other psychiatric and physical problems persisted. He recalled that Anzor could not drive during the first half-year of treatment and gave his opinion that Anzor could not work. He distinguished his observations from history supplied by Anzor and Zubeidat, acknowledged uncertainty about disability benefits, and said he had not completed disability forms.

The court admitted Niss's redacted treatment records as Defense Exhibit 3509E. A typewritten summary identified as Exhibit 3521 was displayed and used without government objection, but no separate admission was recorded. The judge allowed social history relevant to diagnosis and treatment. After further objections concerning reported torture, Clarke returned to diagnostic questions without an express ruling on those objections. The judge later overruled, for now, an objection that detailed medical explanations exceeded the notice provided. The government declined cross-examination.