Bipolar Britney?

by Karoli on February 18, 2007

Everyone is lovin’ them some Britney Spears gossip today. She’s the top search term on Technorati, a search on Google News has over 5700 results for her, and tonight’s local news broadcasts led off (it is sweeps month, after all) with breathless accounts of her latest misadventure.  Her official website is offline with the promise of a new one to come soon, and to the casual observer, it appears as though she’s another spoiled child star self-destructing in public and sinking into the muck of substance abuse. 


Lots of people are having some big fun at her expense.  Frankly, if I were faced with the publicity of being Britney, I’d be tempted to sink into a bottle and a bunch of destructive choices, too. Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and although I studied psychology as my major in college I abandoned it along with the hope of a degree over 25 years ago. Even so, this latest series of Britney reports feels much deeper and more serious to me than just a spoiled pop star out to stir up some publicity for herself. In particular, her repeat impulsive and usually destructive acts jump out at me and practically scream for someone to step up and get this girl some quality psychiatric evaluations.

Wikipedia’s bio chronicles the last three years of her missteps in public quite well. Beginning in 2004 with 55-hour marriage to her childhood friend and ending with the head-shaving incident, it reads like a road map for someone struggling with something much larger than possible alcohol addiction.

If I were to describe Brittney’s behavior this way, would it fit?

…often has unstable relationships, low self-esteem, and problems with impulsive behavior, all of which begin by early adulthood

A common feature of this disorder is fear of being abandoned, even if the threat of being abandoned is not real. This fear may lead to frantic attempts to hold on to those around you and may cause you to become too dependent on others. Sometimes you may react to the fear of being abandoned by rejecting others first before they can reject you. This erratic behavior can lead to stormy relationships in every area of your life.

Or this:

At least five of these symptoms must exist:

  • Make frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
  • Have a pattern of difficult relationships caused by alternating between extremes of intense admiration and hatred of others.
  • Have an unstable self-image or be unsure of his or her own identity.
  • Act impulsively in ways that are self-damaging, such as extravagant spending, frequent and unprotected sex with many partners, substance abuse, binge eating, or reckless driving.
  • Have recurring suicidal thoughts, make repeated suicide attempts, or cause self-injury through mutilation, such as cutting or burning himself or herself.
  • Have frequent emotional overreactions or intense mood swings, including feeling depressed, irritable, or anxious. These mood swings usually only last a few hours at a time; rarely, they may last than a day or two.
  • Have long-term feelings of emptiness.
  • Have inappropriate, fierce anger or problems controlling anger. The person may often display temper tantrums or get into physical fights.
  • Have temporary episodes of feeling suspicious of others without reason (paranoia) or losing a sense of reality.

This list and the paragraph above it are WebMD’s description of borderline personality disorder symptoms. I am NOT saying this is the problem, but still…there are some eerie similarities.

Closer to home for me are the list of bipolar disorder symptoms. During my first marriage I saw a therapist for several years, and through that, came to understand that it is extremely likely that my paternal grandmother had bipolar disorder. I can remember with far too much clarity what it was like to be around her when she was one of the extremes — the highs and lows would leave anyone within 5 miles of her breathless.

Before everyone dumps on Britney, maybe we should have some compassion for her and consider the possibility that she really is dealing with something far more difficult than spoiled-child syndrome. Alcohol and drug abuse can exacerbate symptoms of psychological disorders and magnify them. My gut tells me there’s more here than meets the eye, and I’m afraid for her (and her children) if she doesn’t stop and get some help. Maybe a better bandwidth use would be a chorus of concern rather than ridicule.

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  • sadbuck
    none of you have any idea about whats going on. its not her fault.
  • April
    Anonymous: Afraid to use your real first name? Go away...No one called for trolls here.
  • Anonymous
    She's got borderline personality disorder, just like you. Bipolar my ass. Get yourself educated and stop believing the pill pushers.
  • Nutso? Crazy?
    Aside from the stigmatizing labels, most of the discussion has been productive and supportive for Brit. I will say the girl has always been a bit kooky, but she is an entertainer, and I'm sure it's in her nature to be naturally gregarious....perhaps even odd. I too have bipolar disorder diagnosed at about the same age as Britney - I was diagnosed with bipolar II. However mine has gotten progressively worse....and my cycles last longer. I must say, when I watch her I tear up, even cry, for her. I know how it feels, and it's clear others living with the disorder that have commented do too. It's tough, and it must be excruciating being stalked by the paps and being paranoid at the same time. Hell, if I hear so much as a whisper I think someone is talking about me....I brush it aside, as hard as it is, but, for those who say it's part of her job...that comment is crazy. You better believe that crowds of people flashing bright lights in a person's face and crowding them so much they can't walk will contribute to the manifestation of the disorder and increase delusions.
  • Now a PhD - Yeah!
    WOW - Excellent dialogue. I have lots of comments to add. First:
    I'm 38 years old
    Diagnosed Bipolar 20 years ago
    Hospitalized 5 times, more than once taken in "kicking and screaming" (literaly)

    In regards to Britney: seeing her go to the hospital (twice now) surrounded by police cars hits very close to home for me. Her release from the hospital earlier this month (after less than 72 hours), in my opinion, was more likely due to her team of lawyers than her need for treatment. I went through the courts 18 years ago (in MN) trying to refuse treatment. Thankfully, I didn't have high powered lawyers and the judge/doctors all agreed I needed continued care. I was "committed" to a state/regional mental health facility at age 20. BUT - it was the best thing that could have happened to me at the time because I was (like Britney seems to be) in DEEP denial over my mental health. I HOPE that none of you or Britney for that matter, have to go through committment proceedings.For me, though, it was the only way at that time in my life that anyone could get me to really look at my life, my mental health, and what my options were. While there I finally had to admit that I needed help in order to get better. If Britney does go "kicking and screaming" (which I think she may have this time) let's hope the docs (and her family) can impress upon her that she needs help without having to go through the drama of committment proceedings.
  • Anonymous
    no no no. healthy minded stars say that being in the light comes with the territory. you have to learn to be adaptable to it as what humans are great for. i understand everything else, but please no more about how hard it is to be watched by the public.
  • kcd
    I have come back from the brink of having postpartum depression and bipolar type II disorder. My heart aches for Britney. When you have a mental illness, you don't bring things on yourself. Your behavior gets so out of control that things just take on a life of their own. If anything happens to her the paparazzi should be held as accomplices to murder because no one can deal with the issues she has with flashbulbs popping in their face 24/7 and people just lined up waiting for you to fail. It's absolutely tragic. She needs help and she needs to go someplace like the Swiss Alps or something where she will not be bothered and she can meditate, pray and find her inner self again.
  • Renee,

    I was shocked when she was able to sign herself out. I thought 72 hours was 72 hours, but in California, it's not mandatory if she went voluntarily.

    I don't doubt my own moods and behavior with respect to bipolar -- I know my ADHD is as ADHD as it gets, no more, no less.

    When I wrote this post nearly a year ago, the press was pillorying Brittney for not being a better mother and being a gadfly. They practically celebrated when she shaved her head in full view of the paparazzi.

    To me, it was a clear signal that something was not right. My point in speculating here that it was possibly something like bipolar disorder was to express the view that this behavior went far beyond self-centeredness or attention-seeking, and rather than pick on her, maybe some compassion was in order.

    Here's my post on her possible 72-hour hold, the night she was taken in.

    Had her family and Dr. Phil not been so anxious to intervene, perhaps the real doctors might have done her some good.
  • Renee
    Karoli

    I was not aware of what happened 2 weeks ago.It does not sound accurate that she could sign out early. In FL or IL that cannot happen. I am really not a fan, I am more of a mental health advocate & am available to disseminate information about bipolar as someone who is a healthy patient and very well-read and informed. I see that you have some doubts about your own moods and behavior. Please do not jump to conclusions. I would never wish bipolar on anyone. It is a chronic, often deadly disease which is not easily managed. I have suffered dearly and hurt many people in my life. Please find yourself a psychiatrist. It takes a long time to get an accurate diagnosis. I wish you well.

    I am sorry for Britney that when she was in the hospital there was not a mental health professional there who was able to reach her. Often in the hospital one meets a professional, a counselor or the psychiatrist, who they feel they can trust.

    A psychiatrist has the authority by law to commit a person to a mental health facility. I hope her family, or her new boyfriend, tries again and again before it is too late!
  • anonymous who commented here and said this:
    think i have the same symptoms except i’m not showing it unless someone figures it out by himself, i admit i might be bipolar but there’s no one who can help me to get out of this mental illness i don’t know what to do with my self i’m just living and waiting to see what will happen in the future…if someone can give me help or advice he’s welcome.

    Read Renee's comment above. Call a psychiatrist. If you don't have money for a psychiatrist, go to a clinic. Tell them your situation, be brutally honest. Above all, seek help. Please.

    And come back and tell us how you're doing, okay?
  • Renee,

    Here's the problem: She was already been put on a 72-hour hold 2 weeks ago, to which she promptly signed herself out after 24-hours. I'm assuming she agreed to the hold in order to reserve the right to sign herself out early at any time.

    She doesn't trust her family, she doesn't trust her friends, she doesn't have anyone she really trusts, she has had custody privileges revoked and there doesn't appear to be any way at this point to stop her from self-destructing.

    I find that to be really, really sad. I'm concerned for her. She's an adult, so her parents can't force a psychiatrist on her. They would actually have to get guardianship (good luck with THAT) in order to force any kind of treatment on her for whatever her problem might be.

    It drives me crazy to see the media just lather up in a feeding frenzy over her. Clearly something is not right, but there seems to be no way to help make it right, and the constant dogging by paparazzi is certainly no help.

    Someone said that she's an attention seeker. Maybe, but her behavior now goes far beyond attention-seeking...she needs real help. I'm sad for her.
  • Renee
    Please listen up.

    I am bipolar, age 44. I am now a highly successful individual and was diagnosed at the age of 31. This is how to help her:

    Only a PSYCHIATRIST can DIAGNOSE bipolar. Her family needs to contact a psychiatrist. He can have her placed in a psychiatric hospital unit for 72 hours by law. (This has twice happened to me in Florida where it is known as the Baker Act. The police will pick her up). Although she will be involuntary, she will have the option to sign in voluntary. (I did). Otherwise the courts determine if she can be released after 72 hours.

    Here she can get a differential diagnosis and get stabilized on medication and get a treatment plan before the doctor releases her.
    This is HOW to get the girl help!!! Why hasn't anyone advised the family???? again - a PSYCHIATRIST, not a "psycologist" (or PhD-non-clinician, eg "Dr" Phil- ugh!...why did he not advise them on the proper procedure?)

    Her family, friends, psychologists, and especially the media need to STOP surmising about bipolar.
  • anonymous
    i think i have the same symptoms except i'm not showing it unless someone figures it out by himself, i admit i might be bipolar but there's no one who can help me to get out of this mental illness i don't know what to do with my self i'm just living and waiting to see what will happen in the future...if someone can give me help or advice he's welcome.
  • Gigi
    To think the person that wrote this, did it almost a year ago and NOW is that the media is KIND OF saying that she has bipolar disorder... Her doctors must be really stupid.

    I've seen this in person, my mom was a doctor so i was always around the hospital. I saw many with this disease and after reading this and thinking about all the historical data, britney really most have this.

    So I still can't understand those who still say bad things about her. Yes she's been acting crazy, but if what she has is really a sickness of this high level, then what she needs is the media and fans support. And her family, maybe then she'll realize that she really needs help.
  • Dottcal
    I'm really concerned about Britney's sufferings. And it could be due to not only depression and fears but also postpartum disorder after birthing two boy's, or a mental illness. I know that raising a child on your own can be very scary at times if a person is depressed and doesn't recieve some kind of professional help. It can be terrifying. And unfortunately she may be so afraid to talk to someone about what goes on between her ears in fear that she may never see her kids again. And she must care about them or she wouldn't have put up such a stand off with her husband taking the children. If this is indeed what went on.
  • Emliee
    My X has bipolar disorder. When he was manic he shaved his head too. Britney shows all the characteristics of BP. I hope she gets the help she needs.
  • Diana
    HATS OFF TO YOU for your blog entry about Britney. I believe with enough love and care by her family and by a qualified doctor, the old Britney we all loved can return. I don't think Britney is an addict, or that she does not love her sons, or anything of the sort. I think she needs professional help and needs to be OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT while getting it. When every story you see is negative, it only makes the problem worse. If Britney were to commit suicide in the midst of all this, it would be a great tragedy indeed. Britney needs love, prayers and SUPPORT. What if every bipolar individual in the nation had their daily activities covered in the news? Would recovery be swift? I don't think so. Media needs to give the girl a break and treat her with respect. Just my two cents.
  • It is interesting to note, with the developments today, that Sinead O'Connor may have diagnosed Britney as bipolar back in October 2007 on Oprah. It looks like both family and medical professionals are confirming this today.
  • Mike
    I'm kind of pissed off how much the media, the justice system, and apparently the people close to Britney keep palming this off on substance use. As someone with a clinical background, it seems pretty obvious to me that something else is going on other than substance abuse. I think this is a great opportunity for people to learn about bipolar, if that is what she has, or some other mental disorder. To keep on ascribing her problems to alcohol or drugs does not do her nor the people who actually suffer primarily from alcohol and drug addiction any favors.
  • Roon,

    I'd like to think we're not feasting on her. If she didn't constantly have public meltdowns she wouldn't even be a blip on my radar, but in her case they're so extreme that it worries me.

    Thinking back to other celebrities who died because of their disorders and their addictions (Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, etc...) I'd like to hope this could have a different outcome.
  • Roon
    I am a clinician and I with folks with bipolar and borderline personality disorder. I tend to think Britney looks bipolar, especially since a lot of this crazy behavior started after she had babies (postpartum onset). Plus, her artistic temperament and the substance abuse fit the bill. She doesn't look BPD to me.

    With that said, I think ANYONE would lose it if they had Britney's life. Honestly, if I had her life I would move to a ranch in Utah with my remaining money and disappear. Although she can't, because she has to share custody with Federline. I don't think the poor kid has any coping skills. This is what we do to celebrities in this culture, and then we watch them spiral down and feast on it.

    Which, of course, I guess I am doing by being on this site!
  • Mya
    I'm the mom of a bipolar daughter (now 18). I agree with previous posters in that Britney's behavior fits clearly in the bipolar spectrum. Medication and therapy can do amazing things and could completely change her life for the better. She doesn't have to live this way. Britney, see a good psychiatrist, take meds that will work for you, and be well!
  • Anonymous
    I was diagnosed Bipolar 2 years ago along with Borderline Personality Disorder. I was in denial for a long time. I didn't cummunicate with my doctors if I had I think I could have saved my life sooner than much later. Britney get help before something bad happens. Don't let the media get to you. Don't give them too much power
  • james
    i guess topfloor neglected to read any of the previous comments. but thanks for reinforcing the prevalent ignorance.
  • I think it's only a matter of time before Britney runs over a photographer and kills 'em. What happened to that sweet old Britney we used to know and love?
  • Kathy
    Is it possible that with her mom back in her life she will get some therapy for this?? Bipolar is horrendous. It runs in my family -- an aunt who was diagnosed decades ago as an acute bipolar; takes medication and gets talk therapy and is still terribly unstable -- and heaven help us, it is as serious as any chronic, life-long disease. The posts her have been almost 100% correct and interesting to read.
  • PopTart
    Regardless of what her diagnosis should be, the fact stands that she did not receive a formal education or childhood, and was left to run wild with excess. Her "handlers" (including her mother) built her up to become a cash cow, broke her down in the process, and then left her to fend for herself with no real-world skills or sense of responsibility. Having children was her biggest mistake, as she is oblivious of how to care for them properly, and refuses to even deal with her own life responsibly.

    Being bipolar shouldn't be an excuse to account for her actions. Nutzo or not, she needs to step up, or she'll pay dearly for her inability to function.
  • Robin
    I think it's really significant that those posters on this blog who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or who have loved ones with the disease could easily recognize the behaviors prominent in the manic phase of bipolar disorder in Britney Spears. I too have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and feel certain that Britney also has it. Getting married without thinking it through, dressing provacatively (no underware and showing it!), partying night after night instead of staying home with your very young children, and shaving your head in the frantic manor she displayed are all obvious signs. I only hope and pray that she was diagnosed and has begun the treatment process for not only her wellbeing but for the sake of her children. God bless you Ms. Britney!!
  • maria
    Due to the stigma the bipolar patients always being abandoned and laymen thought that they arae
    crazy, lunatic...but its not actually....many excellent people sufferred from this disease such as einstein but they are successful in their fields ...belive me
  • txbreck
    I have been saying to my husband for weeks, that there is more going on with Britney Spears then just being a spoiled child star. While I am not a mental health professional, I am bipolar, and I totally agree that she too is bipolar. She really needs someone to step in and take some control of her life and get her some much needed help.
  • Lisa
    I find it devastating to see how the media
    treats this poor girl and how many people
    seem to enjoy her pain and laugh at her problems.
    Envy seems to be the main reason for this.
    I felt from the start, that there was some deeper,
    hidden reason for her strange behaviour. My heart goes out
    to Britney. I hope she gets the help she needs and friends
    who love her just the way she is. God bless you Brit!
  • francesca
    I am 47 and am bipolar and have thought from the beginning of her "meltdown" that Britney was probably bipolar too.

    We lack positive bipolar role models. I am pretty successful. I NEVER talk about it because of the stigma. Most successful bipolar folks will keep it quiet. You only hear about worst case scenarios in the media.

    POOR BRITNEY. To meltdown in public. It's a lot to ask of Britney, but if she can come back from what happens --- and do her music --- she could do a lot of good. POOR LITTLE GIRL, it's bad enough to lose your sanity, devastating, but to do it in public???? Poor thing.
  • Jax 2121981
    I am 25 and suffer from bipolar disorder, as mentioned above it seems to arise at 23. I do believee Britney suffers from bipolar as i recognise some of her actions in myself. Stress is a major factor in strengthing the illness and i do believe the combination of Britneys divorce, looking after two babies, drinking and partying with that moron paris hilton and working on her new album have pushed her over the edge and into a mental breakdown. I had a phase of too much partying and clubbing and had a major clubbing holiday which resulted in myself going into hospital for a third time. On the other occasions stress of uni had been the cause. I agree with the others Britney would be doing a major major help to sufferers of mental illness (spesh bipolar) around the globe if she was to discuss and make people aware that mental illness effects millions and can be dealt with. This would be a big step in the battle to get rid of the stigma that is attached to mental illness. Get well soon Brit
  • Jax 2121981
    I am 25 and suffer from bipolar disorder, as mentioned above it seems to arise at 23. I do believee Britney suffers from bipolar as i recognise some of her actions in myself. Stress is a major factor in strengthing the illness and i do believe the combination of Britneys divorce, looking after two babies, drinking and partying with that moron paris hilton and working on her new album have pushed her over the edge and into a mental breakdown. I had a phase of too much partying and clubbing and had a major clubbing holiday which resulted in myself going into hospital for a third time. On the other occasions stress of uni had been the cause. I agree with the others Britney would be doing a major major help to sufferers of mental illness (spesh bipolar) around the globe if she was to discuss and make people aware that mental illness effects millions and can be dealt with. This would be a big step in the battle to get rid of the stigma that is attached to mental illness. Get well sonn Brit
  • Seems like Britney is having some kind of serious emotional problem. I know people with
    bipolar disorder and sometimes they get dellusional, thinking they are saints or very special
    people or people with privledges no one else has. They can also be very self-centered, every
    thing evolves around them, and no one else is as important as they are. When reality hits or crashes, and others don't respond to their whims, is when they crash and continue to deny thier illusion that they are the center of the world, hence they make very bad choices in friends, lovers, and judgement in general. sometimes the depressive stage is quickly replaced by the manic stage and a need to feel different than others, special.
    which causes self denial, and the cycle spins out of control. Being that Britney is publically
    scrutinized at every move give her a profound sense that she is different and feeds into her
    illness, in order for her to get better all together she needs to center herself, and realize
    she is just a manufactured model for pop culture and her uncanny feeling that she is differnet
    while may be true because the public feeds into her, is just a passing phase that will loss
    its novelty in time to come.
  • Blue Skies
    I suffer from bipolar disorder and believe that Britney has it too. In many cases it starts to appear at the age of 23. I think she's around that age. It seems that she has been in a worsening manic state for a few weeks now. Believing that she's the antichrist and the suicide attempt are very severe stages of the disease. Actually fairly common during manic psychosis.

    She's exhibiting increasingly impulsive behavior. The belief that Kevin is now this great rock of Gibraltar in her life sounds a bit delusional. She wants to have another baby with him? Seriously warped judgement. I know. I had some of the same symptoms during my meltdown.

    Hopefully she'll get the right diagnosis and treatment and stabilize. Maybe down the road she could even become a mental health advocate. Just a thought.

    We need to address the ignorance and fear and bias that people have towards mental illness.
  • Anonymous
    My mother is bipolar. I have studied the disease in depth. Though I am definitely not a pro, you learn to recognize the signs when you live with it every day. Some signs no one knows but those involved with it (compulsive need to write, over decorating). I started thinking Britney was perhaps Bipolar about a year ago. No one believes me (and I may be wrong). But most of the naysayers will make insensitive comments such as "oh she isn't THAT nuts" not knowing my family history. My mother is pretty 'normal' now on her current regimen of medications. People who deal with ANY mental disorder could certainly use a lot more sympathy, understanding and patience. It would almost be nice if she was bipolar, as whenever a star gets some relatively unknown illness, the research for said illness sees a lot more funding and people gain a lot more understanding.
  • I had a friend who suffered from post-partum depression and possibly the psychotic
    form too.

    Except that she got conned into getting two abortions which her ex's mom paid for.

    According to her ex's mum it was because her son was not ready to raise a family
    emotionally and financially.

    In November 2004 she suffered the first of a series of manic episodes and jumped
    from her second story balcony because according to her, a cat did it.

    Before and after this first and last suicide attempt, she was obsessed with her
    second BF to the point of calling him up and leaving long rambling voice messages.

    Finally, after having her first psychotic episode in March 2005, where she saw
    ethereal beings dancing around her & saw clouds in the sky move as though under
    her command, her ex (the first one) freaked out and called her mom.

    She spent a month in the psych ward, at first trying to get out. Finally she
    came around and started helping the other patients. Even the docs thought she
    shouldn't be in the ward, because she was too bright and bubbly.

    Eventually her doc said she should be around happy people.

    IMHO Britney is in a toxic environment. She should avoid Paris Hilton, and
    follow Lindsay Lohan's good example. As well, she should come up and vacation
    in Vancouver,Canada.

    As for the hope she'd be the poster girl for mental health.

    Fat chance.

    It will always be a bad career move to write commercial jingles for psycho meds.

    At least, until some brave artist can promote mental health issues actively.

    E.g. Mariah Carey, who denies she was medicated during that meltdown.

    But here's the cincher:

    Marilyn Monroe was locked in a looneybin. So was Rosemarie Clooney.

    In fact, a lot of singers went have have meltdowns and/or developed drug problems.

    Even Johnny Cash, except Jesus cured him of methamphetamine abuse.

    So, I feel that some brave artist should promote mental health.

    It's stupid to keep psychiatric disorders hidden behind stigma.

    Because there's another group of people who have had burnouts and gone
    ballistic like the student mass killers -- and their common ailment was
    SHYNESS, BEING BULLIED, and HAVING PARENTS MORE THAN 30 YRS OLDER THAN THEM.

    Kids with parents 30 yrs or more older than them tend to be at risk for
    mental illness at a higher rate than 20-25 yrs.

    It could be because parents in their 40s may be suffering a 30 yr old
    cultural gap e.g. lack of communication, miscommunication etc.
  • Anonymous
    I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 9 years ago. It's pretty much under control right now but i do struggle at times. Before i was diagnosed, i was in and out of 4 hospitals on an incredible high. I lost many friends b/c of this and find it difficult to trust people to this day. When i see what britney has gone thru, i remembered right away what it was like. i really hope she gets diagnosed and treated very soon.
  • jana
    I have 2 siblings with bipolar disorder...My co-worker's are obsessed with the Britney drama and from the day she shaved her hade I had a pretty good feeling that she was dealing with far more than a drug/alchohol addiction. We all know people that suffer from addiction and while their lives spin out of control, they don't act the way Britney is acting. I pray for her and that she has people around her that care enough to get her the help that she needs. She can come back from this and maybe even do some good by educating people about Mental Disorders.
  • Geena
    I feel very sorry for Britney. I have Bipolar I Disorder, which is the most severe form. I had the same fiery look in my eyes when I was manic just like Britney had recently. Fortunately, I never had tendencies for physical aggression. It has taken almost four years to kick the alcohol habit and get the right medications to control the disorder. I certainly hope that Britney gets the right diagnosis, proper medications, and less pressure from the media.
  • Julie
    Britney is bipolar. I just went through a similair "mania" and it's painful and nobody understands and she is in the public eye. I feel badly for her. The stigma of mental illness will never go away. People are cruel. I wish they would leave her alone.
  • Turtle
    I lived with someone with BPD for 3 years, and this looks familiar. The face expression on the umbrella pics (its not "her") the reaction to being left rather than leaving someone.

    Lower-functioning BPD is my guess. Then again, that's only MY guess.
  • Nippsy
    How about all the people (men) she had used and tormented? Dont you think she should take blame for controling men?
  • bambina
    I am a 25 year-old female that was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder two years ago. The time immediately proceeding my hospitalization and diagnosis was the darkest, lonliest, and most self-destructive period of my life that I can ever remember...and I'll be damned if I ever revisit a phase that destructive again. I wish people would recognize that bipolar disorder is a VERY difficult illness to understand and live with. The symptoms show their face in the form of emotional meltdowns, but these symptoms result from a chemical imbalance in the brain. So for someone going through it, it's hard to recognize the boundary between your own real emotion, and the emotion caused purely from the disease effecting the brain. And stressful situations/decisions, and substance abuse really make the symptoms of this disorder flare up to unproportional levels. And for the one being diagnosed, it is a real blow to the ego. It's a hard diagnosis to accept because of society's naive misunderstanding, and the resulting negative and usually insulting assumptions of the disporder. To me, I can easily agree that it seems Britney could be bipolar, but smuggly slapping the "bipolar label" on the poor girl and using it to dismiss and laugh at her outbursts just adds to the negative connotation of this disease. Bipolar is no joke...actually it completely sucks and I absolutely hate that I have it. So show some compassion, and give this girl some space to finally make herself her own priority so she can cope with whatever emotional/mental issues are currently tormenting her.
  • I am bipolar and I am certain that Britney is in the bipolar spectrum.
    That is how I found THIS site (by searching: Britney Spears bipolar)

    Hope she finds the right psych. meds sooner..... rather than later, which might reduce
    her substance abuse.
  • no name
    My first, second, and third thought: Bipolar disorder. I hope people get more educated about this, instead of more judgemental about mental disorders. I lived with a friend who went through a similar series of events--flashing her privates, dressing in TOO "sexy" oufits, partying all night in LA. It culminated in a crash: not a shaved head, but cutting and dying her gorgeous natural red hair mud brown and getting tatooed--Her first manic episode, transistioning into a major depression... The susbstance use is a symptom rather than the issue here.
  • Anonymous
    I have a good friend with bipolar disorder and she acted just like britney.
    People in this country don't undersatnd mental illness, this is a big problem and maybe
    Britney's trauma will help people understand the problem better.
  • Anonymous, yes -- it could just be suffocation from celebrity, but celebrities can and do use their resources to maintain their privacy and distance from the public. It seems to me that in this case you have a person who is incredibly talented and creative, craves the limelight but hates the spotlight, and has a self-destructive streak that runs her entire length. The question in my mind is whether that self-destructive streak is really something much more serious than just a girl running wild.
  • Anonymous
    even if she is just having a bad run of events... or really is trying to figure out who she is, people need to give her room to breath, she is human. people are physically swarming her everytime she goes out her front door.....its un believable. I wanted to kill myself just being at trader Joe's with people all around me and i dont have isuues like that...maybe shes wild and or crazy...neither are a crime.
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