Catherine Zeta Jones Seeks Bipolar II Disorder Help: What Is It?

Catherine Zeta Jones Checks In for Bipolar II Disorder Treatment

Catherine Zeta Jones sought treatment for bipolar II disorder, according to her reps. Originally, Catherine Zeta Jones' publicist denied that she was seeking treatment when asked by TMZ.

Apparently, Catherine Zeta Jones spent five days at Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut to manage the condition, exacerbated by husband Michael Douglas' struggle with cancer. Michael Douglas.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder (also called "manic depression") involves feelings of extreme happiness followed by periods of extreme depression. Catherine Zeta Jones was treated for bipolar II disorder, a less severe type of  the condition.The manic phase (hypomania) includes symptoms such as:

• risk-seeking behavior
  
• delusions of grandeur
• heightened irritability or agitation
• sexual promiscuity
• binge eating/excessive drinking or drug use

The depressive phase includes symptoms such as:

• difficulty concentrating
• low self-esteem
• loss of appetite
• difficulty making decisions
• suicidal thoughts

Bipolar disorder is treated with psychotherapy and medication. Extreme cases are treated with ECT (electroshock therapy- yes, it still exists). While there is evidence that bipolar disorder is hereditary, major life changes can trigger the condition.

Read more about bipolar disorder:

• National Institute of Health: Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
• Mayo Clinic: Symptoms of Manic Depression

Remember, though, the internet is not a doctor. If you think you are suffering from bipolar disorder, speak to a human being about it.

Photos

Catherine Zeta Jones at the 2011 Golden Globes

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uploaded by Jordan Yerman