What is OCD and how does it affect Amanda Seyfried?

OCD involves unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Seyfried was diagnosed at 19 and credits it with helping her avoid common young star pitfalls.

When was Amanda Seyfried diagnosed with OCD?

Amanda Seyfried received her diagnosis of severe OCD when she was 19 years old.

Does Amanda Seyfried still take medication for OCD?

Yes, Seyfried has been taking medication for her OCD since her diagnosis and continues to do so.

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Seyfried: OCD helped avoid teen star pitfalls

19 Jan

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Summary

Seyfried was diagnosed with severe OCD at 19.
Her condition helped her avoid common pitfalls of fame.
She continues to take medication to manage her OCD.

Seyfried: OCD helped avoid teen star pitfalls

Amanda Seyfried recently opened up about her lifelong journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), revealing how the condition, diagnosed at age 19, unexpectedly shielded her from common pitfalls associated with early fame. During a demanding period filming 'Big Love,' Seyfried's mother provided crucial support as she began medication to manage her severe OCD.

Despite the challenges, Seyfried's OCD influenced her choices, steering her away from the excessive drinking and late-night socializing that often ensnared her peers. This led her to forgo the nightclub scene, a decision she now views as a protective measure that likely contributed to her sustained career. Her rise to fame was gradual, occurring after her teenage years, which she believes helped mitigate some of the pressures.

Seyfried has consistently advocated for mental health parity, emphasizing that conditions like OCD should be treated with the same seriousness as physical ailments. She continues to take Lexapro, viewing it as a valuable tool rather than a stigma, and finds that as she ages, her compulsive thoughts have significantly diminished, aided by understanding that many fears lack a basis in reality.