Britney Spears has had 'manic episodes' for years

Troubled singer could well have serious brain disorder

Sunday, 6 January 2008

Britney Spears is definitely suffering from bipolar disorder (manic depression), say friends of the Spears family.

The singer is said to have had 'manic episodes' for years and to have been described anti-anxiety medication.

Experts agree that the troubled star's erratic behaviour could well be due to a brain disorder.

'She appears to have a drug and alcohol addiction and bipolar disorder,' treatment centre founder Michael Cartwright tells People.com.

'She seems deeply ill to me.'

Britney suffered from post-natal depression after both her pregnancies.

'She didn't want anyone's help...' says a source. 'It got worse after Jayden was born.'

Bipolar disorder expert Dr Diana Kirschner explains it 'usually starts in young adulthood from age 18 through early twenties.

'Up until that point, the person appears to be pretty normal, but it's like a ticking bomb.

'They generally have to hit bottom in order to turn around and recover.'

Britney Spears taken to hospital by stretcher>>
Kevin Federline gets full custody of Jayden James and Sean Preston>>
Britney sees Kevin Federline’s lawyer for just 14 minutes>>