Rep. Jackson diagnosed with bipolar disorder

After laying low and being out of the media for more than two months, it has been announced by the Mayo Clinic that Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. has bipolar disorder.  An article in the Chicago Tribune by Katherine Skiba and Deborah L. Shelton details the announcement and says that Jackson’s family has not released any information about treatment or when he will return to work.

The 47-year-old Democratic congressman has been diagnosed with bipolar II depression, the milder form, according to medical officials.  This type is usually associated with symptoms less severe, such as overly talkative, not feeling the need to get sleep, and alternating between periods of normal mood, depression and either mania or hypomania.

According to the article, the Mayo clinic released a statement saying that Jackson is doing well, responding to treatment and regaining his strength.

Jackson is running for re-election in November against nominal opposition.