Politics & Government
Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. has Bipolar Disorder, Says Mayo Clinic
The Chicago Democrat has been on medical leave for about two months with the announced reasons ranging from a mood disorder, to depression and gastrointestinal issues.
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., is being treated for bipolar disorder, the Mayo Clinic announced Monday.
The clinic has diagnosed Jackson with Bipolar II, a treatable condition considered similar to Bipolar I disorder, "with moods cycling between high and low over time," according to WebMD.
"Congressman Jackson is responding well to the treatment and regaining his strength," the clinic said in a statement.
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Bipolar II is likely caused "by a complex set of genetic and environmental factors," the clinic said. The statement referenced Jackson's 2004 weight loss surgery, stating that such a surgery can change how the body absorbs foods and medications.
About 2.5 percent of the United States population suffer from some form of bipolar disorder, according to WebMD. The Website also says people often develop symptoms in their teens and twenties.
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Previous statements from Jackson's office mentioned that he was . More recent statements placed him at the Mayo Clinic but said he was suffering .
Jackson's opponent in the November election .
This is the most detailed update on Jackson's condition so far.
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