Britney's Post-Partum Struggle

TMZ has learned Britney Spears' troubles may have little to do with substance abuse. Sources say doctors at her rehab facility think the underlying reason for her trouble may be post-partum depression.

Sources tell TMZ that Britney's doctors have two operating theories -- either that she suffers from post-partum depression or bipolar disorder. The doctors strongly believe post-partum is the problem.

As for substance abuse, as one source says, "No doubt about it - she likes to drink." But doctors believe the drinking is a way Spears has coped with a bigger problem.

We're told Britney, who is sticking it out at the Promises rehab facility in Malibu, is currently reading Brooke Shields' book, "Down Came the Rain," in which Shields reveals her battle with post-partum depression.

We're told doctors believe Spears' problem is complicated by an intense feeling on her part that she has lost control of her life.



Tags: Britney Spears, BritneySpears, Post Partum Depression, PostPartumDepression

Relevant Posts

Reader Comments

(Page 7 of 26) Previous 15 Comments | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

91. Well 67 if you can't handle the truth why don't you go poke your head up your ass where it belongs!

Posted at 1:32PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Get Real

92. Uhhh....67. You don't have to read the comments to witness the degredation of common human decency. All you have to do is read the headlines........." Britney with no panties ".....she's degrading herself.

Posted at 1:52PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Bi-Polar Hippie

93. Come on Ms. Spears...prove us wrong. Get well, maintain that healthy lifestyle, curb the spending, raise your kids, redevelop your career and keep your family close! I want to see it!

Posted at 7:27AM on Feb 28th 2007 by Dawnie

94. I feel sorry for her. She obviously has NO friends. She has no support system. I hardly would consider her mother a friend. She is lonely and went to alcohol. She had no shoulder to cry on through the whole K-Fed thing, and Paris Hilton just magnified her problems even more. Britney needs Jesus so bad! Which is better to have a lot of money or to be comfortable and have a lot of close friends who really like your company?

Posted at 10:23PM on Mar 4th 2007 by Enchante

95. My Aunt had post partum and she did not drink or do drugs. That will only make it worse. Britney could go to Tom Cruise (since he's a HUGE expert on treating PPD) or take perscription meds. Hopefully she won't be mixing any alcohol or street drugs with them! As long as she stays in therapy after she is realeased she should be ok. It's going to be a long, rough road back though.

Posted at 1:48PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Sarah H.

96. I had two babies close together just like Britney did, I had PD and I did not act like she did. I LOVE my babies, I was a MOM to my babies. I agree w/ #16 and 18.
BRITNEY is a load of CRAP!!

Britney you are trying to save your IMAGE and YOU are TRYING to BLAME it on PD.
PD mothers DO NOT act like YOU. LOOK at BROOKE SHIELDS. SHE is a GREAT MOTHER to her children. SHE had PD but she DID NOT ACT like an IDIOT, LIKE YOU. SHE did something about it and GOT WELL.

SORRY BRITNEY, I WAS A FAN. NOT ANYMORE!!!

Posted at 1:47PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Mary

97. Its Bi-polar, not Post Partum. The spin-machine thinks PPD is a more sympathetic condition that Bi-polar.

Posted at 1:54PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Pshizzle Philzle

98. Addicts lie so they can keep using. It is much easier for her to blame PPD then admit she has a substance abuse problem.

Posted at 1:54PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Telly

99. It amazes me to think how much time and effort goes into reporting all this garbage. We live in a world full of major international problems, and yet front page news and top stories are the trails and tribulations of 25yr old mother of two. So what it's Britney Spears. She's made mistakes and now it seems as though she is trying to fix them. I got an idea, how about instead of judging Britney we pray for her to recover and become a devoted mother to her children.

Posted at 1:55PM on Feb 27th 2007 by John Cornish

100. you all need to LAY OFF! All these negative vibes around all of your posts are tired and old. Just goes to show you that EVERYONE goes through crap in their lives. Leave her alone. She's a spoiled brat? WHY? Because she made money, more than you will EVER have? Go out and get a life! Why all the haterz?
Britney- there are those of us who will help you through this with support. My prayers are with you.

Posted at 1:53PM on Feb 27th 2007 by enough already!

101. Having two children in two years takes its toll on one's body as well as on one's hormones. In addition to that, she had her marriage crumble so of course that's enough to send someone through a breakdown. The difference here is that she's a public figure and has papparazzi documenting her every move. She can't keep anything private any more. There is medication for this so it's great (assuming the headline is true) that she's being diagnosed and treating appropriately.

Posted at 2:21PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Ana

102. Yes Britney please get well so #80 can buy your music for her daughter! LMAO!No wonder she went bats!

Posted at 1:50PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Get Real

103. I always thought she had ppd she had 2 babies in 2 years and that dickhead of a husband of hers didn't help matters

Posted at 1:57PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Jennifer

104. I understand post partrum depression is a major problem but I don't feel sorry for her. She pays people to raise her kids for her, when she's out with them she carries around her stupid little dog while an assitant is taking carrying her kid. Maybe she just realized she sucks at life, can we please make that an illness...because there would probably be a lot of people diagnosed with it.

Posted at 12:01PM on Feb 28th 2007 by Michelle

105. It was so obvious that this was going on. It is ashame people automatically label her a drug addict before looking at the whole situation.

Posted at 1:52PM on Feb 27th 2007 by R

Previous 15 Comments | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments