Lufti: Spears has 'mental issues'

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Barbara Walters said on her U.S. talk show "The View" that Britney Spears' manager Sam Lufti contacted her and said Spears was suffering from "mental issues."

Walters said on Monday's show Lufti told her Spears had seen a psychiatrist because she was experiencing mood swings and having trouble sleeping.

He described Spears as suffering from "mental issues, which are treatable," and said the pop singer has been in touch with her mother, who has been very supportive.

Spears' erratic behavior during the past year has been well-documented in the media.

Earlier this month, she was stripped of her visitation rights regarding her two toddler sons with her ex-husband Kevin Federline.