Jesse Jackson Jr. Being Treated For Bipolar Disorder, Says Mayo Clinic

Jesse Jackson Jr., a Chicago Democrat who has been absent from Congress for two months ago, is being treated for bipolar disorder at the Mayo Clinic, according to an announcement on Monday.

The clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, has specified that Jackson Jr. suffers from Bipolar II, meaning he has periodic episodes of depression and hypomania (a less serious form of mania), reports the New York Daily News. The Mayo clinic said in their statement that:

“Congressman Jackson is responding well to the treatment and regaining his strength.”

Bipolar II is a treatable condition that is likely caused by a “complex set of genetic and environmental factors.” It affects the parts of the brain that control drive, emotion, and thought.

Monday’s announcement gives the public the most detailed information so far about Jesse Jackson Jr.’s mysterious medical condition that caused him to go on a quiet medical leave on June 10. His office originally labeled his condition as exhaustion before a statement released a couple of weeks ago described his condition as a “mood disorder.”

The Huffington Post reports that Rick Bryant, Jackson Jr.’s aide, spoke with the congressman recently, and that he asked Bryant to reach out to mayors for updates on projects in his district. Bryant stated of the conversation that:

“He’s been in touch over the weeks. This was the most engaged he was. He seemed like his old self.”

Jackson Jr. could emerge from medical leave in about three weeks, but the exact date is up to doctors. Little information has been given to the public about Jesse Jackson Jr.’s condition, despite questions from the public and his fellow congressmen.