Sources: Spears suffers postpartum depression

Entertainment website TMZ.Com says the reason for Britney Spears recent erratic behavior -- divorcing Kevin Federline, no pants in Las Vegas, no panties in Malibu, no hair on her head -- is not because of drug or alcohol abuse, it's po stpartum depression.

TMZ sources say doctors at the Promises rehab facility in Malibu -- Spears' current address -- believe she may be suffering from postpartum depression following the birth of her second child or bipolar disorder, a symptom of which is sudden mood swings between deep depression and extreme optimism.

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

According to the online report, Britney is currently reading Brooke Shields' book, "Down Came the Rain," in which Shields reveals her battle with postpartum depression.

Doctors also say they believe Spears' problem is complicated by an intense feeling on her part that she has lost control of her life.

2007-03-03