Barry Roux SC, for Pistorius, read out two reports from a psychiatrist and a psychologist who had examined the athlete.

According to the reports Pistorius was severely traumatised by his shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013.

He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The athlete should continue receiving clinical care or his condition was likely to worsen. There was a risk of him committing suicide, according to the report.

Aggression was not identified as part of Pistorius's personality.

"Those who know him describe him as gentle," Roux read from the report.

It said he resolved conflicts by either talking through the situation or avoiding them.

The athlete had a history of insecurity and feeling vulnerable. There was no evidence Pistorius suffered from anxiety.

"He doesn't meet the criteria for generalised anxiety disorder."

According to the report the athlete had genuine feelings for Steenkamp.

"Although the [relationship] was still young, there was no sign of abuse."

Roux and prosecutor Gerrie Nel agreed Pistorius would not be called to the stand for cross-examination.

Pistorius is charged with murdering Steenkamp. He shot her through the locked door of the toilet in his Pretoria home, apparently thinking she was an intruder about to open the door and attack him. She was struck in the hip, arm, and head.

After firing the shots, Pistorius used a cricket bat to break open the door to get to a dying Steenkamp.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder and to three firearm-related charges.

The State argues he killed her during an argument.

Sports and exercise medicine professor at the University of Cape Town, Wayne Derman, was called as the next witness. In his capacity as a sports physician he worked with Pistorius for six years.

By Sapa