Stressing and Acting Out

Feb. 20, 2007 — -- It seems lately that the path to rehab is paved with fallen stars.

After a one-day stint in a rehabilitation program, Britney Spears took an electric razor to her locks, shaving herself completely bald. In the latest bizarre twist, she voluntarily checked into rehab again Tuesday, Spears' manager, Larry Rudolph, tells People magazine.

"We ask that the media respect her privacy as well as those of her family and friends at this time," Rudolph was quoted as saying.

Rehab has been the new vacation destination for other stars. Lindsay Lohan admitted that she had a drinking problem late last year, and Mary-Kate Olsen, another star who is no stranger to the spotlight, has publicly battled an eating disorder.

Could the stress of stardom be responsible for these high-profile meltdowns? Many wonder whether the tabloid antics of a number of high-profile stars could be manifestations of the effects of long-term exposure to ... well ... exposure.

It is, of course, impossible for anyone to say conclusively that stress is the only factor -- or even the main factor -- in the behavior and choices of stars who have experienced long-term stardom.

But one thing is for certain -- the life of a star is a stressful one.

"These are people like you and me, but they need to be perfect," says Dr. Scott Kessler, a New York physician who has treated a number of musical celebrities.

"These people are living life on a level of psychological and emotional stress that are higher than most."

In addition to a breakneck schedule, many stars may find that they also have to contend with near constant public scrutiny of their every action.

"It's unhealthy, I think," Kessler says. "They've been taught that they are not human. You can't live your life like that.

"The scrutiny has gotten way out of hand."

The stress of fame may also have unique consequences for those whose stardom begins at a young age.

Dr. Paul Miller, associate professor of psychology at Arizona State University, says "I think it's a fascinating topic how these kids under these experiences manage to maintain equilibrium."

Miller, an expert on how stress can impact a child's psychological state, says stardom presents an additional challenge to younger individuals who are developing into adulthood.