Dr. Donnica To Appear in E! Entertainment Special: "Celebrities in Crisis"
August 15, 2008

(August 11th, 2008): Close to 58 million Americans - about one in four adults - suffer from a mental disorder. But, when Hollywood stars are diagnosed with a mental health ailment, it's big news. From rumors about Britney's bi-polar disorder to Heath Ledger's depression and suicide, mental illnesses are getting more attention. The up-coming E! Entertainment one hour special, "Celebrities in Crisis" will explore some of the most common and debilitating mental health disorders and reveal the celebrities who've battled back from the brink along with the stars who are still struggling. Scheduled to debut on Friday Aug. 15 (check local listings for times and channels), this show features several experts, including women's health expert Dr. Donnica Moore.

"While mental illnesses are extremely common, people suffering from them also suffer greatly from the stigma and ignorance surrounding these conditions," said Dr. Donnica. "While it's bad enough for any individual or their family members to suffer the medical, emotional and psychologic challenges of mental illness, it's even more difficult to handle these issues in the fishbowl of the media," said Dr. Donnica. "When celebrities are willing and able to share their medical stories to benefit others, however, I give them a tremendous amount of credit."

Dr. Donnica made it clear that she is not the personal physician of any of the celebrities whose stories are discussed and that the only personal medical information discussed was that already publicly disclosed in previous media coverage. "The goal of this show is the use the celebrity stories as a launching point from which to educate people about important mental health issues which affect millions of Americans," said Dr. Donnica.

Segments covered may include discussions of Christina Ricci (self-injury); Howie Mandel (OCD and mysophobia); Justin Chambers (sleep disorder); Delta Burke (OCD, depression and hoarding behavior); Richard Jeni (psychotic paranoia); Kim Basinger (agoraphobia and panic disorder); Katherine McPhee (bulimia); Brooke Shields (post partum depression); Mary-Kate Olsen (anorexia nervosa); Jim Carrey (depression); and Robert Downey Jr. (bipolar disorder).

The special will appear on E! the 15th at 9:00 PM, the 16th at 6:00 PM, the 17th at 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and the 19th at 8:00 PM

Created: 7/16/2008  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.