(LEAD) Retired actress hospitalized for taking medication for PTSD

All News 23:04 June 21, 2017

(ATTN: RECASTS throughout with Shim's comments)

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- A former actress said Wednesday she has been hospitalized after she took medication to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

Shim Eun-ha -- a popular TV and movie celebrity in the 1990s -- said in a text message that she is now OK and will be soon discharged from a hospital in the affluent southern Seoul district of Gangnam.

The message came amid rumors that she was treated for an overdose of benzodiazepine, a common type of sleeping pill, at the hospital's emergency room.

The 44-year-old former actress was catapulted to stardom in 1993 after her debut in a drama series became a hit. She retired in 2001 and later married Ji Sang-wuk, a professor-turned-lawmaker who now belongs to the Bareun Party.

On Tuesday, Ji withdrew his candidacy for the party's leadership, saying that he needs to be with his family to take care of their health. He didn't elaborate.

Shim married Ji in 2005 and they have two daughters.

Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs when a person is exposed to traumatic events and exhibits symptoms that include depression, anxiety and insomnia. These symptoms can also occur up to three months after the experience.