Sayumi Michishige of Morning Musume Struggles with Pandemic-Induced Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Some comedians perform on stage while having OCD.

“In today’s stressful society, obsessive-compulsive disorder can happen to anyone. People who are particularly sensitive to stress or who have strong attachments to certain things tend to be at higher risk for developing OCD, so they should be cautious.

Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Among psychotherapies, ‘Exposure and Response Prevention’ is a representative cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on behavioral therapy for anxiety.” (Dr. Takagi, as mentioned earlier)

Last year, popular comedy duo “Plus Minus” member Yoshimasa Iwahashi (46) publicly revealed he suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, sparking widespread attention. According to Iwahashi, many comedians face OCD while continuing to perform on stage.

Michishige’s courageous decision is likely to deepen understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder and offer great hope to others who are struggling with the same condition.