Catherine Zeta-Jones Returns to Treatment for Bipolar II Disorder
April 30, 2013 by Lindsay Cronin
Just last week, Catherine Zeta-Jones and husband Michael Douglas looked healthy and happy on the red carpet at the 40th Anniversary Chaplin Award Gala. Today was less glamorous. Instead of attending an exciting event, Jones has entered a mental health facility to treat her Bipolar II disorder — the second stint for the Oscar-winning actress.
“Catherine has proactively checked into a health care facility,” a rep for Jones confirmed to People. “Previously Catherine has said that she is committed to periodic care in order to manage her health in an optimum manner.”
A friend of the star explains that Jones is committed to remaining in control of her mental illness and, for her, that means routine check-ups which allow doctors to monitor her and ensure her medication is working properly.
“There was no big problem,” says the friend. “This was just a good time to do it. She is in between projects. This has always been part of the plan. She would manage her health. She is vigilant about it.”
Jones is expected to remain in treatment for the next 30 days.
She first sought treatment for bipolar disorder back in 2011 at the Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan Connecticut. At that time, her rep told People, “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.”
According to WebMD, people suffering from Bipolar II disorder experience moods cycling between high and low over time. The highs are referred to as hypomanic episodes, or hypomania, and the lows are considered depression.