August 14, 2012(USA TODAY) -- Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is being treated for bipolar disorder and responding well to treatment, the Mayo Clinic said Monday.
The clinic, based in Rochester, Minn., released a statement on Jackson's behalf, saying the diagnosis of bipolar II disorder came after "extensive evaluation."
The Illinois Democrat has been on medical leave from the House since June 10. His whereabouts had not been known until recently, when his office announced he was being treated at the clinic for depression and gastrointestinal issues.
The Mayo Clinic statement said, "Many Americans have bipolar disorder. Bipolar II disorder is a treatable condition that affects parts of the brain controlling emotion, thought and drive and is most likely caused by a complex set of genetic and environmental factors."
One in four adults, or 57.7 million people, show symptoms of a mental health disorder every year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. More than 10 million Americans have bipolar disorder, NAMI says.
In 2004, Jackson underwent bariatric surgery, a type of weight-loss surgery. The Mayo Clinic statement said this type of surgery is "increasingly common in the U.S. and can change how the body absorbs food, liquids, vitamins, nutrients and medication."
Jackson, 47, has been a member of Congress since 1995. He is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegedly raising money for then-Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich in exchange for an appointment to Barack Obama's Senate seat. He has denied any wrongdoing.
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