Mischa Barton at risk of suicide, say pals

Mischa Barton is said to have recently collapsed at her Los Angeles home because she had allegedly snorted cocaine three days in a row.

Currently, the 23-year-old actor has been put under involuntary psychiatric evaluation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles after reportedly suffering a breakdown.

Pals of the former OC actress told police of fears that she would kill herself. 

"She's in very bad shape. She's running out of money and can't find love, so now she is looking for a good time to escape her misery. She is on a downward spiral. She is a mess. She is a suicidal, uninsurable mess," the Daily Express quoted a friend as telling the New York Post.

Los Angeles police and Barton's representative have suggested that the actress required assistance for "a medical issue."

Experts say Barton could be discharged by Saturday afternoon if she demands to be released or doctors find her to be stable.

Barton has battled demons before. In July 2008, she told Marie Claire magazine that she'd sought treatment for her problems.