Actress Mischa Barton hospitalized

LOS ANGELES, July 17 (UPI) -- British actress Mischa Barton has been placed under psychiatric hold at a Los Angeles hospital after seeking police help with a health problem.

Barton, 23, co-starred on TV's "The O.C.," and appeared in the films "St. Trinian's" and "Homecoming."

"Access Hollywood" said the actress, who spent time in rehab following a 2007 driving under the influence and marijuana possession arrest, remained on psychiatric hold at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles Thursday, the same night she was schduled to attend the New York premiere of her movie "Homecoming."

Barton reportedly was hospitalized Wednesday after asking police for assistance with a health issue that has not been made public.

"She has been dealing with a lot of personal issues," a friend told People magazine. "I don't know if she really ever gave up some of the bad habits that had gotten out of control a couple years back."

"Mischa has been hospitalized per the recommendation of her doctor and is resting in the hospital," Barton's publicist told People without offering details about what is ailing her or confirming the "Access Hollywood" report.