Athlete OCD Admissions; Social Networks’ Role

According to a recent Sun report, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be more prevalent among dominant athletes than anyone has ever really acknowledged. British Olympic swimmer, Rebecca Adlington and Rafael Nadal were among the biggest names that were described as publicly dealing with the disorder.

"It's odd numbers in particular. I can only set my alarm on two, four or six. I can't even set it on a five or seven,” said Adlington.

"Otherwise, I think the worst is going to happen”

In the same report it was noted that Facebook and similar social networking applications appear to be making individuals more obsessive than ever before. That the condition (fueled by anxiety and stress) tends to bubble up as people repeatedly check on the status and updates relating to their social networks. The need and nonstop desire to stay up to date with all happenings, coupled with the unstoppable want to stay hip and relevant with one’s own updates can bring about OCD of the worst kind.

Dr. Pam Spurr described the social media craze as one that is very damaging to the public, and something that would be addressed in more detail by leading scientists in the coming years as the negative implications of these obsessions begins to swim to the forefront. In the mean time, she suggested that anyone who feels as though they have an unsafe, unhealthy attitude towards social media should take the same route that countless famous athletes have taken – own up to it and get help.