Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) has been diagnosed with a form of bipolar depression, his doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., announced on Monday. The clinic released a statement by email, saying the congressman is still being treated. It offered no timeline of when he is expected to return to public life. He has been on leave from Congress since June 10.
Here is the full statement:
Following extensive evaluation, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. is undergoing treatment for Bipolar II depression at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Congressman Jackson is responding well to the treatment and regaining his strength.
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 US 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.
Note: No time frame is specified for another update on Congressman Jackson’s condition.
