Actress Amanda Seyfried has shared an intimate look into her life living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), revealing that she was diagnosed with the condition at just 19 years old and continues to manage it with daily medication. The Mamma Mia! and Housemaid star discussed her journey with OCD in a recent Vogue interview, highlighting how the disorder has shaped her personal and professional choices.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Seyfried recalled being diagnosed while living in Marina del Rey, California, during the filming of the television series Big Love. Her mother even took a sabbatical from work in Pennsylvania to support her during that time.

“I got my brain scans, and that’s when I got on medication—which to this day, I’m on every night,” Seyfried explained.

The actress described her OCD as “really extreme”, explaining that the condition influenced her daily routines and her approach to social and professional life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, OCD is characterized by repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that can interfere with daily life and cause significant distress. Seyfried’s experience highlights the real-world impact of this condition, even on a thriving Hollywood career.

Life as a Young Actress with OCD

Navigating the entertainment industry while managing OCD was a unique challenge for Seyfried. She admitted that her condition helped her remain unfazed by professional rejection, stating,

“It’s the nature of the beast.”

However, Seyfried noted that she had to avoid triggers that could exacerbate her OCD, such as drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, or staying out late at night.

“I would make plans and then just not go,” she laughed. “I guess I did make choices… I didn’t enter that realm of nightclubs. I gotta give credit to my OCD.”

These careful choices helped Seyfried maintain both her mental health and professional focus, showing how managing OCD can involve lifestyle adjustments alongside medical treatment.

Medication and Managing OCD

Seyfried has been taking Lexapro, an antidepressant commonly prescribed for OCD and anxiety, since her diagnosis at 19. She previously told Allure in 2016:

“I’m on Lexapro, and I’ll never get off of it. I’ve been on it since I was 19, so 11 years. I’m on the lowest dose. I don’t see the point of getting off of it… Whether it’s placebo or not, I don’t want to risk it.”

The actress emphasized that mental illnesses should be treated with the same seriousness as physical conditions:

“A mental illness is a thing that people cast in a different category [from other illnesses], but I don’t think it is. It should be taken as seriously as anything else… If you can treat it, you treat it.”

Her candid reflections aim to destigmatize OCD and encourage others to seek treatment without fear of judgment.

Amanda Seyfried’s Career and Advocacy

Despite the challenges of OCD, Seyfried has built an impressive career spanning film and television. From her breakout role in Mean Girls to her acclaimed performances in Mamma Mia! and The Housemaid, she continues to inspire fans both on and off screen.

By openly discussing her OCD diagnosis, medication, and coping strategies, Seyfried is helping normalize conversations about mental health in Hollywood and beyond. Her story demonstrates that success and mental health challenges can coexist when individuals prioritize care and self-awareness.