Catherine Zeta-Jones checks into mental facility

The Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has checked into a psychiatric hospital for treatment of her bi-polar disorder. No specific reason was given for her decision, but it was said to be voluntary.

TMZ described it as a “proactive” decision for treatment, quoting one source, who called it "maintenance." Catherine will stay in hospital for a 30 day stint. Yahoo news reports that Catherine underwent treatment for the illness before in 2011. According to the Telegraph, the treatment is not cheap. The last time it cost Catherine £770-a-day at a hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut.

The condition used to be called “manic depression,” but contrary to popular fears it doesn't generally make people violent. Catherine suffers from bi-polar ll, a milder form of the disease than bi-polar l, which often leads to hallucinations and delusions. Bi-polar ll is characterized by severe mood swings from euphoria and hyperactivity to depression and lethargy. The illness can be controlled by medication and therapy, but it is often a question of trial and error before the right balance and combination of drugs is found for the individual.

Her work schedule has also been demanding. The Huffington Post says that “Zeta-Jones has been one of the busiest talents in show business of late, appearing in such films as "Rock of Ages," "Playing for Keeps," "Broken City" and "Side Effects." Her next projects are said to include a comedy called Playing the Field with Gerard Butler and Dennis Quaid and a biopic with Antonio Banderas.