Byrne's performances as Norma Desmond on "Sunset Boulevard" from October 1996 to June 1997 were interrupted by "her frequent and sudden absences from the show were partially blamed for the show's lack of success" despite "great critical notices." She had attempted suicide late in 1997 and was being treated by a psychiatrist to feel "more focused and driven than ever before." She was diagnosed with clinical depression and undertook a course of prescription medication. In March 1998 she told Peter Ford of "Playbill" that "Nobody ever bothered to investigate if that was my major problem, when finally I had a label for my troubles it was a great relief."