Britney may have a mental illness, but she's only human

It's no wonder that Britney Spears' obituary has already been written. Anyone would struggle to survive with paparazzi preying on their every move, ready to pounce and pop flashbulbs that blind their eyes.

With the exception of that self-proclaimed master of mental healing - otherwise known as "Dr. Phil" - well-studied health professionals and advocates say a hostile, chaotic environment can only exacerbate a person's declining mental state.

They look at how the media - and not just the so-called illegitimate tabloid kind that fills supermarket shelves - have almost self-created Britney's demise by goading her and baiting her into behaving in a bizarre way so they can be there if - or, quite possibly, when - the end comes.

Debra Wentz, chief executive officer of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies, said common sense dictates that media pressure "can certainly stress anyone out, and so that added pressure on someone who is vulnerable can lead to more symptomatic behavior."

"I don't envy anyone in that position and believe they get more than they bargain for, as part of their fame," she said.

Britney is to blame, many say, because she alternates between chasing the paparazzi away and cursing at them and then bonding with them in an inappropriate way. Reports this week said she allegedly dumped her most recent boyfriend, British photographer Adnan Gharib, and filed a restraining order against him.

But Britney's behavior may be merely symptomatic of something larger. She may be experiencing the mania many feel when they're dealing with bipolar disorder. The media, in turn, enable that behavior by following her, stalking her and even dating her.

Then, that added pressure of media attention pushes the behavior to a level that's frightening, dangerous and self-destructive.

"Often people say, 'If you can't stand the heat, get out of the fire,' " Wentz said. "But a young, vulnerable person who has an illness may not be able to exercise such good judgment.

"I wish the media would leave her in peace."