The Mayo Clinic announced Monday, that Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. is undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder at their facility.
Rep. Jackson took a mysterious leave from the office on June 10. For a few weeks, no one knew where he was or what he was doing. Rep. Jackson’s office finally released a public statement saying he was taking a medical leave of absence to seek treatment for exhaustion. When Rep. Jackson still did not surface, his office said his condition was “more serious than we thought”.
Rep. Jackson, son of civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson, is married to Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson.
What is Bipolar II Disorder?
The Mayo Clinic described Rep. Jesse Jackson’s Bipolar II diagnosis in a statement saying,
“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 foods, liquids, vitamins, nutrients, and medications.”
Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive disorder and includes symptoms of extreme mood swings. At one moment, someone suffering from bipolar disorder may feel depressed and in the next moment, the person may feel manic. The mood shifts can occur on a daily basis or only several times a year, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Bipolar disorder is considered a mood disorder and is in the same category as depression, dysthymia (a low depressed mood for a year or more), substance-induced mood disorder (depression caused by the use of drugs or alcohol), and mood disorder from a general medical condition (where medical condition causes the depressive symptoms), according to Ohio State University.
Bipolar Subtypes
Bipolar disorder is broken down into three subtypes.
These subtypes include:
- Bipolar I
- Bipolar II
- Cyclothymic Disorder
The subtypes decrease in severity. Bipolar I is the most severe type of disorder. With bipolar I, a person has episodes of mania that can reach dangerous levels. The mood swings can severely interfere with a person’s daily life. Bipolar II disorder usually involves less severe bouts of mania and longer periods of depression. Daily functioning may be affected by the disorder, but not to the extent of bipolar I. Cyclothymic disorder is the least severe type of bipolar disorder. With Cyclothymic disorder, depression and mania are not as severe.
What is next for Rep. Jesse Jackson? The exact cause of the bipolar disorder is unknown; however, researchers believe genetics plays a role in the disease. Medications are the typical treatment for the disorder. Psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. Hospitalizations may sometimes be required to treat bipolar patients.
The Mayo Clinic stated in a release to the media that Rep. Jackson is still undergoing treatment for bipolar II disorder. The statement read, “Congressman Jackson is responding well to the treatment and is regaining his strength.”
Rep. Jackson is expected to be released “within a matter of weeks”, although an exact date is not known, according to CBS News.
Rep. Jackson is up for reelection in November and many expect him to win re-election in the urban, Democratic district t recently redistricted to include more rural white voters. Rep. Jackson’s first own office in 1995.
Georgia and South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffers from bipolar disorder, are unable to work, and were denied Social Security benefits it is important that you contact a Social Security disability lawyer. The Georgia Social Security disability lawyer and South Carolina Social Security disability lawyer at the Strom Law Firm can assist you in filing for reconsideration, or help you file your initial application. Call us today for a free consultation. 803.252.4800.
