What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts ("obsessions") and/or behaviors ("compulsions"). They may need to do these compulsions once or repeatedly until they feel more at ease. Obsessions and compulsions can vary from person to person, but there are several broad categories. People often experience symptoms from several different categories, which can evolve over time.

Misconceptions about OCD

Myth	Reality
We’re all a little OCD.	This is a complex and debilitating disorder, affecting around 1-2% of people. It often develops in early adulthood and can make daily life very difficult to navigate.
It’s about being obsessively tidy and clean.	People with OCD have many compulsions and thoughts, like fear of dirt or germs; a need for order, symmetry or arrangement; blasphemous or sexual thoughts, etc
People with OCD wash their hands non-stop.	Not every OCD sufferer has this compulsion. Compulsions include excessive cleaning or checking, as well as other ritualistic behaviours.
They just need to learn to relax.	It is very difficult for them to quell their obsessive thoughts and stop their compulsions. Without treatment, these thoughts essentially take over a person’s life.
“Just learn to live with it!” -Someone without OCD to a sufferer of OCD	As with any other serious illness, there is no reason for anyone to put up with OCD if it is detrimental to their daily life.

Celebrities with OCD

Amanda Seyfried

Having recently portrayed the embattled Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in the Hulu series The Dropout, Amanda Seyfried has said that she was diagnosed with OCD sometime after her role in the 2004 film “Mean Girls.”

Camilla Cabello

An award winning singer-songwriter, Camila Cabello has said that after she was diagnosed with OCD, she was able to manage the symptoms and ultimately cope with the condition.

Daniel Radcliffe

Star of the “Harry Potter” film series, film and theater actor Daniel Radcliffe has talked about how challenges with OCD affected him when he was as young as 5-years-old.

Justin Timberlake

An original member of the iconic boy band NSYNC, Justin Timberlake has said that he has obsessive-compulsive disorder mixed with attention deficit disorder and that both conditions can make life incredibly challenging at times.