Just because there are folks out there who plead mental and
psychological disorders to excuse themselves from paying for some
crime they've committed does not mean that these disorders do not
exist at all.
There are hereditary causes, chemical deficiencies in the brain,
inherent tendencies within certain individuals... those who are
genuinely afflicted do not have a choice.
Of course, those who are sane but try to plead insanity, ought to
be punished for trying to absolve themselves of all
responsibility.
But punish those, do not punish those who genuinely suffer from
these disorders. I've worked with entire wards of patients in the
IMH and it is very sad to watch at times.
You should know me well enough to know that I am not a bleeding
heart and I'm definitely not the mollycoddling sort, and I'm sure
those who read my posts know that I definitely am not that sort
either! 
However, my opinions changed somewhat after having been
exposed to people who are diagnosed with these conditions.
Put two people under the same stressful conditions and they'll cope
differently. One might snap and plunge into depression, the other
just continues fighting to survive. The tendency is to think that
if one can make it, why not the other? Sometimes, yes, it's
character and emotional weakness in the other person but putting
the other person in a stressful condition might actually aggravate
a condition that's lurking beneath the veneer anyways.
I think it doesn't do the person any good to accuse them of
shirking responsibilities by hiding behind the label of mental
disorder because, criminals aside, who really wants to be labelled
as 'mentally unstable' and be made to stay in IMH for a while?
Everybody wants to make a good living, but if some can't because of
some affliction(s), then if we can't help, we certainly shouldn't
impose harsh judgement.
Whenever someone gets diagnosed with a mental disorder, it's not
just the victim who gets affected (if he/she still has awareness,
that is), the entire family is also dragged down. It's definitely
not fun when it happens but if and when it does happen, social
support is very important.
Bear, maybe, you might understand more if you were to volunteer at
the IMH! 
