Famous People with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

There is an abundance of speculation about celebrities and famous people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but not much about famous people with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). One psychiatrist, Dr. Dave Reiss, explains the common confusion between OCD and OCPD stating that the latter is likely more common among highly successful celebrities and other famous people than the former.

Celebrities with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Are there any celebrities with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder? A few celebrities have mentioned they "have OCD" in passing during interviews. But Reiss isn't sure this represents an accurate self-assessment by these celebrities. He suspects they may have OCPD instead (What is Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?).

People with OCD symptoms experience intrusive thoughts that compel them to perform ritualistic behaviors like excessive hand washing or repetitively counting and lining up foods in the pantry. They want to stop having these thoughts and compulsions, but can't seem to make them go away. These rituals can take up hours of time if the person has full-blown OCD, causing them to miss appointments and important events. "A person with OCD may become very successful if they can control their symptoms to a minor level, but full-blown OCD would tend to interfere with success," said Reiss in an Eonline TV SCOOP news story by reporter Leslie Gornstein.

Famous People Who Likely Have Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

The celebrities who reportedly have OCD, people like Megan Fox, Justin Timberlake, David Beckham, Jessica Alba, and others, likely actually have obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Reiss went on to say, "...you can bet that celebrities and obsessive-compulsive personality traits can go hand-in-hand."

Reiss further points out that the rigidity and stubbornness seen in many celebrities may explain their self-centered, "my way or the highway", attitudes. In addition, many of them seem excessively devoted to work, sacrificing time with friends and family. Spending so much time working also takes a toll on close relationships, breaking up marriages and friendships. This could explain why many famous people end up isolated and lonely.

Dr. Carole Lieberman agrees with Reiss, saying, "Some celebs definitely have obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. It's useful to someone who is desperate for fame because it helps them be persistent in clawing their way to the top of Hollywood's A-list."

While adoring fans will probably never know if these, or any other, celebrities actually have obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, both of these psychiatrists seem to believe many of the top ones do. If OCPD is affecting your life, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder treatment can help.

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