How Is Amanda Bynes Doing? An Update on Her Health
Updated Aug. 1 2023, 7:31 p.m. ET
On March 22, 2022, actor Amanda Bynes was finally released from her years-long conservatorship, which began in 2013.
While it had been a rocky nine years, the What a Girl Wants star had seemingly gotten much better, to the point where she no longer needed to be in a conservatorship. At the time, her parents agreed with the decision.
However, she was placed under a psychiatric hold in March 2023 — the same month she pulled out last-minute from '90s Con 2023.
What exactly happened? And where is Amanda now? Here's what we know about her health.
Amanda Bynes at a criminal court appearance in New York in 2013.
How is Amanda Bynes's health?
TMZ reported on March 20, 2023, that Amanda had been placed on a psychiatric hold after being found roaming the streets naked and alone in Los Angeles.
An eyewitness told the outlet that on March 19, they saw Amanda walking near downtown Los Angeles without any clothes on. She apparently flagged a car down and told the driver she was coming down from a psychotic episode. Amanda then called 911 herself.
Luckily, she didn't appear to be hurt. However, Amanda was then taken to a nearby police station where a mental health team determined she needed to be placed on a 5150 psych hold. This type of psychiatric hold usually only lasts 72 hours but can be extended.
Per TMZ, Amanda was released in April 2023 and was expected to receive outpatient treatment.
Where is Amanda Bynes now?
TMZ reported in May 2023 the actor was living on her own and often felt "sad and isolated," per a source close to her. Amanda called the cops again to get help in June 2023, but was released after a brief hold and time in a psychiatric care facility.
By July 2023, TMZ followed up, saying that Amanda was readmitting herself to treatment. A source told TMZ that she wanted the support of a social environment that living on her own was not giving her. It was reported that this was her own decision.
What happened to Amanda Bynes?
Amanda stepped away from acting in 2010, per Page Six, amid rumors of substance abuse. In a 2018 interview, Amanda opened up about her drug use to Paper magazine saying that she experimented with “drugs like ecstasy and cocaine,” but “definitely abused Adderall.”
By 2012, things weren't getting any better. Amanda started drastically changing her appearance and getting into trouble with the law. Her criminal record included DUIs and several car accidents.
Amanda also started a fire in the driveway of a California residence, threw a bong out of a New York City window, and locked herself in the bathroom of a cupcake store, per Talbot Law Group.
The erratic behavior led her to be placed under a conservatorship that would last almost a decade.
In March 2023, Amanda Bynes pulled out of '90s Con last-minute.
Days before Amanda was placed on a psych hold, she was set to reunite with her All That cast mates during '90 Con 2023, which was held in Hartford, Conn., on March 17–19.
However, on the first day of the convention, That's 4 Entertainment (via CT Insider) revealed in an Instagram story that Amanda wouldn't be attending due to an undisclosed illness.
During the convention, Kenan and Kel star Kel Mitchell told Entertainment Tonight that he had been praying for her.
"It's awesome to see she's doing better. Which is great. We're just continuing to pray for her on her journey, and it's answered prayers that she's doing a lot better," he said.
If you or someone you know needs help, use SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to find support for mental health and substance use disorders in your area or call 1-800-662-4357 for 24-hour assistance.
