Fetterman checks himself into hospital for depression, office says

"While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks," Fetterman's chief of staff said.

By Madeleine Hubbard

Published: February 16, 2023 2:41pm

Updated: February 16, 2023 3:25pm

Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Wednesday evening to be treated for clinical depression, his office announced Thursday.

"While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks," said Fetterman chief of staff Adam Jentleson, The New York Times reported.

Fetterman's hospitalization comes a week after he was hospitalized for lightheadedness at a Senate retreat. Medical professionals ruled out the 53-year-old freshman senator had another stroke, after having a near-fatal one in May 2022, amid his Senate campaign. The stroke has resulted in auditory processing and speech problems.

On Monday, Dr. Brian Monahan, the attending physician of the U.S. Congress and the Supreme Court, evaluated Fetterma and recommended the senator to inpatient care.

Fetterman "is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis," Jentleson also said. "After examining John, the doctors at Walter Reed told us that John is getting the care he needs."