By
Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 9:39 PM on 13th April 2011
Catherine Zeta-Jones has sought treatment in a mental health facility, her spokesperson confirmed today.
The 41-year-old Chicago star spent five days at the Silver Hill Hospital near New Canaan, Connecticut, last week.
Doctors treated her for bipolar II disorder – a psychiatric condition that involves extreme mood swings.
Her decision to seek help followed a difficult year for the Welsh star and her family.
Treatment: Catherine Zeta-Jones, pictured here with her husband Michael Douglas in New York on March 14, was this month treated for bipolar II disorder in a mental health facility
Her husband Michael Douglas, with whom she has two young children,
battled stage four throat cancer, enduring both endured chemotherapy and
radiation.
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Her spokesperson said in a statement: ‘After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the
decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to
treat her bipolar II disorder.’
‘She’s feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week on her two upcoming films.’
Facility: The actress spent five days at the Silver Hill Hospital near New Canaan, Connecticut
Douglas, 66, announced in January that doctors had declared him free of cancer following six months of gruelling treatment.
WHAT IS BIPOLAR II?
A traumatic event can sometimes cause symptoms of the mood-altering illness.
Experts say patients experience both elevated moods – which may lead to bouts of increased activity – as well as episodes of depression.
Unlike bipolar I, the ‘up’ moods do not reach full-on levels of mania.
Rather than descending into deep depressions, patients can be very outgoing, functional and often more productive than normal, one reason why it often goes undiagnosed.
People in a hypomanic state also often have a decreased need for sleep. They are also said to be at a higher risk of committing suicide.
It is treatable with medication.
Dr Michael Roizen, America’s first Chief Wellness Officer, claims genetics can also be a factor.
‘If one or more of your parents has the mood disorder, you are more likely to develop bipolar disorder.
‘Other contributing factors include stress, illness, death, or a job loss. Also, researchers believe that bipolar disorder may be caused in part by an imbalance in any or all of the brain chemicals norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.’
‘Sometimes a traumatic event that causes a lot of stress can cause bipolar II disorder to develop. Other possible causes include an abnormal amount of hormones and drug use,’ added a spokeswoman for the US Honour Society of Nursing.
A friend told America’s People magazine today: ‘There’s no question it’s been a stressful year.
‘Catherine has had deal with Michael’s illness and that’s been hard. She went in for a few days because she’s about to start working, and wanted to make sure she’s in top form, which she is.’
Douglas, who owns a country residence nearby, is understood to have dropped her at the Silver Hill Hospital on April 6. She checked out on April 11.
The hospital treats both psychiatric and addictive disorders, including those related to drugs and alcohol.
It can cost up to $1,250 a day to stay in the residence.
Zeta-Jones’ illness can be triggered by a traumatic event, according to experts.
Celebrities who have reportedly battled various forms of bipolar disorder have included Britney Spears, Stephen Fry and Charlie Sheen.
As well as health battles, the couple have also faced legal woes.
Just yesterday Douglas’ ex wife Diandra revived a bid for a share of his Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps earnings.
Her camp pressed a judge to reconsider his view that the
case belongs in California. The couple divorced there in 2000 after 23
years together.
His lawyer said her client’s ex ‘should be ashamed of herself’ for
seeking more when she had already received more than $51 million in
their divorce settlement.
Douglas’ adult son Cameron, from his marriage to Diandra, was sentenced to prison last year on drug charges.
Zeta-Jones and Douglas are parents to son Dylan, 10, and daughter Carys, who turns eight on April 20.
Family time: Catherine and Michael with their children Dylan and Carys at Disneyland in November
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Catherine Zeta-Jones checks into treatment facility for bipolar disorder