Princess Masako

Masako, who has been out of public view since December, is suffering from adjustment disorder -- a stress-induced condition marked by bouts of depression and anxiety -- and is receiving counseling and medication, the agency said.

She has faced stress "caused by her special status as Crown Princess, problems relating to her pregnancy and miscarriage, and the difficulties in drawing a line between the public and private elements of her busy life," the agency said at a news conference.

The princess' doctors have focused mainly on psychiatric therapy and drug treatment, according to Hideki Hayashida, grand master of the Crown Prince's Household.

"While her situation is improving, she suffers from symptoms such as anxiety," Hayashida said.

The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 7, 2004
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