Jason Russell, Invisible Children Co-Founder, Diagnosed With ‘Psychosis’

Jason Russell, co-founder of the San Diego-based Invisible Children and the face behind their ‘Kony 2012’ viral video phenomenon, has been diagnosed with brief reactive psychosis.

That verdict comes after the 33-year-old was detained by police after he was allegedly caught masturbating in public, vandalizing cars and acting in what authorities termed “a bizarre manner.”

On Wednesday morning, Russell’s wife, Danica Russell, released a statement discussing the “worldwide attention” Russell received over Invisible Children’s video, which calls for the capture of Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, and how that caused Jason immense stress:

“The preliminary diagnosis he received is called brief reactive psychosis, an acute state brought on by extreme exhaustion, stress and dehydration. Though new to us, the doctors say this is a common experience given the great mental, emotional and physical shock his body has gone through in these last two weeks. Even for us, it’s hard to understand the sudden transition from relative anonymity to worldwide attention – both raves and ridicules, in a matter of days.”

Danica added that she has every confidence her husband will make a full recovery, stating, “Jason will get better. We will focus not on a speedy recovery, but a thorough one.”

Russell’s life has certainly changed dramatically in the last month. In the space of a fortnight, the ‘KONY 2012’ video has become a genuine viral phenomenon, with viewing figures in eight digits. It’s attracted both praise and criticism, and has seen Jason Russell become the media face of Invisible Children.

Russell will remain under hospital care for a couple of weeks, according to Danica Russell, who mentioned that it could be months before Russell returns to work with Invisible Children.

Whatever your thoughts on Invisible Children or Kony 2012, here’s wishing the man a speedy recovery.