HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Mischa Barton is out of the hospital after reportedly being placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold two weeks ago.
Barton's rep told the Associated Press on Monday that the former "O.C." star is making progress in her recovery and plans to return to work soon.
The 23-year-old actress is scheduled to begin shooting her new CW series "The Beautiful Life" later this week.
Barton was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after police were called to her home on July 21 for a "medical issue." While what led to Barton's hospitalization remains a mystery, several of her friends have claimed that the star struggles with her physical appearance.
"She has big self-esteem issues," one pal told People. "She isn't comfortable with her body. It's been a big source of stress and self-hate."
Last May, Barton's body was a major tabloid story after she was photographed topless on a beach while vacationing in Australia. Several stories followed accusing Barton of having cellulite, which prompted her rep to respond that the photos were doctored.
After the cellulite claims were made, Barton took to her blog where she opened up about the controversy and her ensuing weight loss.
"I'm happier and healthier than ever so there is no need to worry about me. Things are really well in Mischa world and I've just been watching what I eat," she wrote. "I still love my pilates and yoga, and have cut back on fatty foods a bit. My time in India and Paris really just helped me lose a little bit of weight but there's nothing drastic going on!"
"I appreciate the concern, I just wish the press wouldn't harbor on it as I think it's very unhealthy for young girls to read about and pay attention to," Barton continued. "To my female fans: Just be happy and secure with yourself and don't let other people's perceptions of you dictate the way you live your life."
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