TMZ has learned Britney Spears' troubles may have little to do with substance abuse. Sources say doctors at her rehab facility think the underlying reason for her trouble may be post-partum depression.

Sources tell TMZ that Britney's doctors have two operating theories -- either that she suffers from post-partum depression or bipolar disorder. As for substance abuse, as one source says, "No doubt about it - she likes to drink." But doctors believe the drinking is a way Spears has coped with a bigger problem.

We're told Britney, who is sticking it out at the Promises rehab facility in Malibu, is currently reading Brooke Shields' book, "Down Came the Rain," in which Shields reveals her battle with post partum depression.

We're told doctors believe Spears' problem is complicated by an intense feeling on her part that she has lost control of her life.

Tell us something we didn’t already know. I’m sure she has PP depression….at the very least. Who wouldn’t, with 2 pregnancies back to back and a cheating husband who was only in it for the $$$. Why the hell did she have to enter rehab to find that out? Where is her OBGYN???? She definitely has a drug problem…that apparently began BEFORE both of those pregnancies. You can’t blame THAT on PP depression.

This is one theory i mentioned 80 topics ago, next!

Agent ~ your avatar is kinda making me sick…..

I had PP and I didnt act like that, I guess each person is different in their own way.  I really hope she gets better.

For a place that charges such huge buckaroo’s for a month’s stay, who’s the big mouth from there who keeps blabbing shit to the press? 

I’d prefer not to hear anything more about her for a month or so, just to hear that she’s out of there and getting her act together for her kids sakes.

Good point vtgal.

Oh, ok.

It’s okay Agent, it’s just that you could put a freakin saddle on that azz!!  LOL

Vtgal, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if it was Britney’s own people who are doing all blabbing to the press. They may have her in there to get well, but at the end of the day it’s the $$ that makes the girl, so they need to keep her name out there.

It’s all made up.  Rumors are rumors and the truth is we will never know the source, if there is one, for any of them.  I doubt the rehab is blabbing.  It’s probably so quiet that people are making shit up.  I agree with everyone here when they say just leave her alone for now to get better.

Hmmm…a saddle ain’t a bad idea, britney has inspired me in soo many ways to contribute to honoring her life in the past two years, thank you britney.

lOOK, ANY HALF WIT CAN SEE SHE HA TRUGGLEDWITH DEPRESSION LONG BEFORE THE KIDS. THE BACK TO BACK PREGNANCY DIDN T HELP..  AND WHO IS HELPING HER?  Even professionals are too busy blabbing her business instead. Dont even get mestarted on her so called mother!!!!
I’d like to see brooke shieds help her and befriend her and britney make a huge comeback and show everyone

I wouldn’t be surprised if this is true, but it could be drugs too. Either way, she is getting help & that’s all that matters

Agent Hollywood mentioned this whole scenario way back in the long ago!! Britney just validated it by acting out her personal version of “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” for the world.

TMZ hasn’t learned anything they‘re just are shotgunning.  You know, profiling or cold reading like they’re cops or TV Physics. They report things that are clearly evident to us all like there is a frickin’ source.  It is a well known fact people with bi-polar or depression drink to self medicate. And Brook Shields Book is on every Port-Partum reading list known to man. 

If anyone is blabbing it is on Britney’s side.  Promises is right up there with Betty Ford Clinic; to a facility of that caliber integrity, reputation and non-disclosure are worth big money in the bank. TMZ are bottom feeders.

BULL—SHIT.  Britney has NO signs of PPD.  Her PR people leaked that crap as a more acceptable condition and for SYMPATHY.  Don’t buy it people - she was doing crazy shit WAY before any babies came along. 

She might be schizo combined with bi-polar condition, personality disorder, enhanced by heavy doses of pure XTC - yes.  But PPD - NO way.  That is a slap in the face and insult to the mothers who have actually had the condition.  I will definitely call and email her horrific PR people if they use this as an excuse.

I agree with stsimons… she has been way too crazy before she had kids.

This is crap. PPD doesn’t last this long. She obviously has many other issues and is using PPD as an excuse.

well duh…im sure ppd has alot to do with it. I had it too but i didnt go run out and fuck everything walking and then snort a line of coke off parisites twat as well. This girl is just #1: Pissed bc she was hot shit and couldnt believe that somebody (kfed) could fuck her over like he did #2: Has an issue with being rejected and #3 doesnt know how to handle life in the big world with all the issues that us everyday people go thru….wonder what she would do if she had trouble paying her rent one month…..