Fetterman's depression is now in remission, his office said in a
statement, citing a doctor.
The return of Fetterman, who flipped a Republican-held seat in
last November's midterm elections, will be good news for
Democrats, who hold a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate.
Fetterman had checked into a Washington-area hospital for
treatment for clinical depression in mid-February. He had also
suffered a near-fatal stroke months before his election win.
When Fetterman was admitted for clinical depression in
mid-February, he had severe symptoms of depression with low
energy and motivation, minimal speech, poor sleep, slowed
thinking, slowed movement, feelings of guilt and worthlessness,
but no suicidal ideation, the doctor cited in the statement
issued by Fetterman's office said.
Over the preceding eight weeks, his symptoms worsened and
Fetterman stopped eating and taking fluids, causing him to
develop low blood pressure, the doctor, David Williamson, said.
During the course of his treatment, his condition improved as
his sleep was restored and he began eating well, the doctor
said, adding Fetterman was also identified with mild to moderate
hearing loss and was fitted with hearing aids.
Known for his large tattooed frame, goatee and penchant for
hoodies and shorts, Fetterman gained a national profile for his
progressive positions. The former Pennsylvania lieutenant
governor beat Republican celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz by a large
margin in November's elections to replace former Republican
Senator Pat Toomey, who retired.
Fetterman, who suffered a stroke last May and later acknowledged
he had "almost died," has faced challenges adjusting to life in
the Senate during his recovery.
Since the stroke, he has suffered lingering problems with his
ability to speak and process the speech he hears.
During the course of Fetterman's depression treatment, his
speech abilities also improved as he worked with speech-language
specialists, his office said on Friday.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward in Washington;
Editing by Sandra Maler)
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