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AUSTIN Republicans on Friday rebuked the release of records from the 1980s that showed Dan Patrick was hospitalized for depression and exhaustion, throwing more acid into an already caustic campaign for lieutenant governor.

The Patrick campaign blamed opponent David Dewhurst for being complicit in the release of records. Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson sent the court records to reporters on Thursday night.

Patterson, who failed in the March primary to make the May 27 runoff, said he thought it important to release the information about his former rival before early voting begins Monday. An email from Patterson also shows he had discussed the documents with the Dewhurst campaign.

The information comes from depositions in a 1989 lawsuit. In it, Patrick acknowledged that he took antidepressant drugs for a chemical imbalance. He also acknowledged checking himself into hospitals on two separate occasions in the 1980s for treatment of mild depression.

Allen Blakemore, a spokesman for the Patrick campaign, said Patricks treatment for depression has not been a secret, and he has talked about it on his radio show.

Nearly 30 years ago, Senator Patrick sought medical attention to help him cope with mild depression and exhaustion, Blakemore said in a statement. Under the care of a medical doctor, he voluntarily admitted himself for treatment and spent a short time in the hospital. He has not required additional treatment or medication for nearly 30 years.

He also sent out a 2011 letter from the physician who treated Patricks depression, who said a recurrence of depression was unlikely.

Meanwhile, Patrick and his supporters mounted a chorus of condemnation for having to defend anyone who seeks medical help for a disorder.

In a statement issued hours after the documents went out, the Patrick campaign blamed Dewhurst, the Republican incumbent.

For Dewhurst to use this for political gain is disgusting. He should be ashamed, Blakemore said.

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Republicans decry release of records showing Patricks treatment for depression