Daniel Johnston Hospitalized

Singer, songwriter, artist and Austin icon Daniel Johnston was admitted to the hospital over the weekend for what looks to be lithium poisoning. The 44-year old "outsider musician" has long suffered from both bipolar disorder and diabetes, and as a result has his blood sugar levels tested daily. After becoming "incoherent with trembling arms and hands, unable to speak coherently or even to walk," Johnston was taken to a hospital in Tomball, Texas where he now remains in stable condition. The exact origins of his recent debilitation are as of yet unknown, but his father speculates on RejectedUnknown, the official Daniel Johnston fansite:

There is still no official report on the causes of this episode, but his father speaks with seasoned assurance that it is the result of changes in eating and drinking habits that alter the levels of the medications that build up in the body. Daniel takes multiple prescription medications four times a day. The potentially lethal lithium medication is monitored by regular visits to the clinic to assure that they are high enough to be effective, but not so high as to be dangerous.

Daniel's father says that changes in eating and drinking habits can throw things out of balance quickly, and that Daniel is notorious for sneaking in foods that will affect his diabetes.

Compulsive eating habits are yet another trait of manic-depressives. Consumption of liquids - like soft drinks - can wash the medications out of his system to bring the levels down, or too much salt can cause retention and build-up of medication.

Maintaining safe and effective levels is a weary routine, but manageable, Daniel's father tells us. "But what can you do when he refuses to be concerned about the effects [of his eating compulsions or changes in eating habits]?" he explains.