Tribune: Rep. Jackson under treatment for mood disorder, staff says

For those who are concerned it seems finally have some answers today!

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., whose mysterious month-long leave of absence has prompted calls for more disclosure, is at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder, his doctor said in a statement released by the congressman's chief of staff this evening.

The statement said information about Jackson’s treatment is protected by federal law and that the attending physician’s name and treatment center “will not be disclosed in order to protect (Jackson’s) continuing privacy.”

Earlier, an NBC report said that Jackson was being treated in Arizona for alcoholism, but after the report aired, Rick Bryant, Jackson’s chief of staff, released an email statement saying that “rumors about him being treated for alcohol or substance abuse are not true.”

The statement quoted the unnamed Jackson doctor saying: "The congressman is receiving intensive medical treatment at a residential treatment facility for a mood disorder. He is responding positively to treatment."

Earlier today, Ald. Sandi Jackson, said she is hopeful physicians will release details soon about her husband.

“I’m hopeful that my husband’s doctors will be able to release something soon,” she told the Tribune. “I’m in constant talks with them about Jesse’s condition and his medical prognosis going forward.”

Rep. Jesse Jackson, 47, a Chicago Democrat, has been on a medical leave since June 10, but his aides and family have declined to disclose the nature of his medical problem, where he is being treated or when he may return to work.