Spears had previously been in and out of rehab for an acknowledged abuse of drugs and alcohol.
"Very sad situation... that spiraled out of control" said a psychiatrist and an attorney appearing on Friday's Today show.
Spears, 26, who was hospitalized shortly after midnight Friday after an hours-long standoff at her home in which police were called in because of Spears's refusal to turn her children over to her ex-husband, Kevin Federline.
"While officers were on the scene, they observed Ms. Spears under the influence of an unknown substance," said a police spokesman.
Spears had previously been in and out of rehab for an acknowledged abuse of drugs and alcohol.
Susan Filan, a former prosecutor and trial lawyer, as well as MSNBC's senior legal analyst, called Spears's rebuffing police when it was time to turn over her sons, Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1, "a very serious no-no in the world of courts."
Considering the bitter arguments in front of the children by the parents, Filan said the courts are also likely to take a very dim view.
She also said that this could pave the way for Federline to be in charge of determining all future decisions involving the boys.
"You've directly traumatized your children. You've directly interfered with their well-being and stability," she said, referring to Spears.
Concluded Filan: "These kids are now, I think, directly being harmed by the mother who … is spiraling out of control. I think she's just about done."
Currently Britney Spears is in 72-hour mental ward hold which indicates a person is considered a danger to themselves or others and being held for 72 hours or more to be evaluated and possibly treated.