Jesse Jackson Jr. Being Treated For Bipolar Disorder

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Aug 13, 2012 7:40PM

The Mayo Clinic announced today that it is treating Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) for bipolar II depression and say the congressman's 2004 gastric-bypass surgery may have played a role in his health problems. Last week Jackson's wife Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th) said the doctors were working to find the right combination of drugs to treat Jackson's depression. According to the Tribune, the release states:

“Many Americans have bipolar disorder. Bipolar II disorder is a treatable condition that affects parts of the brain controlling emotion, thought and drive and is most likely caused by a complex set of genetic and environmental factors. Congressman Jackson underwent gastric-bypass surgery in 2004. This type of surgery is increasingly common in the U.S. and can change how the body absorbs food, liquids, vitamins, nutrients and medications.

“Congressman Jackson has asked Mayo Clinic to distribute this information on his behalf. He and his family remain grateful for support and prayers offered and received on his behalf.”

Bipolar II depression is sometimes also known as manic-depressive disorder. There's still no timetable for Jackson's return to Congress. He's been on medical leave since June 10.