Catherine Zeta-Jones and Bipolar condition

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Editor's Letter

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Bipolar condition Chris Scott, Ph.D.

A representative for Catherine Zeta-Jones confirmed Wednesday April 13, 2011 that the actress recently underwent inpatient treatment for bipolar II disorder at a Connecticut mental health facility. The revelation that the unshakable actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder illustrates a hallmark of the disease: it can strike at any time in a person's life and is often brought on by prolonged stressed. In the case with Zeta-Jones, 41, she likely fell victim to the disorder's wild mood swings after her husband Michael Douglas went through a high-profile battle with stage IV throat cancer and after a grueling court fight with Douglas' first wife over proceeds from the "Wall Street" movie sequel.

So what is a bipolar condition? Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by mood swings between the two psychological pulls of depression and euphoria (or mania). It can start at any time in a person's life and it's a lifelong illness. In most cases the disease is diagnosed when a person is in his/her teens or early twenties. About 2.5% of the U.S. population suffers from bipolar disorder -- almost six million people. To learn more go here.

Chris Scott, Ph.D.