Overview
- Jenna Ortega disclosed on the Heart Evening Show that she contends with “pretty intense” obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- She described nightly compulsions including climbing her stairs six times and repetitive counting rituals to ward off intrusive thoughts.
- Ortega said exhaustion often exacerbates her OCD symptoms, intensifying her anxiety-driven behaviors.
- Experts note that OCD affects more than 2% of people worldwide, typically begins by age 19 and remains treatable with medication and exposure and response prevention therapy.
- High-pressure careers like acting can amplify OCD challenges, underscoring the need for professional support and lifestyle adjustments.