There had been speculation that the Chicago Democrat, whose father Jesse Louis Jackson stood as a presidential nominee in 1984 and 1988, was undergoing treatment for “alcohol or substance abuse” but a statement released from his office last night said the claims were untrue.
Jackson Jr, 47, went on medical leave on June 10 but his absence from office was not divulged publicly until several weeks later.
However, a statement from his office yesterday sought to dispel the rumours, stating that he was suffering from a "mood disorder".
Previous reports suggested he was suffering from exhaustion but last week staff members said it was more serious, citing previous emotional problems.
Among those pushing for Jackson Jr to release details of his ailment were Sen Richard Durbin and Rep Luis Guitierrez, both for Illinois, calling it his responsibility as a public official.
Steny Hoyer, a House Minority Whip, also urged more information saying: “People get sick, and when people get sick, they miss work. Everybody in America understands that. But I think the family would be well advised to give his constituents as much information as is appropriate.”
