Anyone can develop an anxiety disorder, and celebrities are no exception. A number of famous people have gone public about their anxiety disorders.
Donny Osmond began showing symptoms of social anxiety disorder as a child. Nevertheless, he became famous starring in the “Donny and Marie Show” with is sister. Later, his career was significantly impacted when he suffered from serious stage fright while performing on stage in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” His career has continued successfully in television, recording and film.
Barbara Streisand, who has starred on stage and screen and had a very successful recording career as a singer, also has a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder. At various times in her career, this has resulted in stage fright that has interfered with her touring schedule and resulted in her forgetting lyrics on stage. She has always bounced back, and continues to enjoy a successful career.
Paula Deen developed agoraphobia, a fear of going out in public, early in her adulthood. To help her cope with being home and so anxious, she began to cook. She is now a renowned chef with her own television cooking show, has opened several restaurants and written cooking books.
John Madden is a former NFL player and head coach (including coaching the Oakland Raiders to a Superbowl Championship in 1976), a television sportscaster and the man behind the “Madden NFL” video games. However, he has not flown on an airplane in more than 30 years because of a specific phobia of enclosed spaces, particularly planes.
David Beckham, the famous British soccer (football) player, has three refrigerators in his house to keep drinks, meats and salads separate. Everything in them has to be in pairs. He also sorts his shirts by color. Beckham struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Howie Mandel hosts the TV show “Deal or No Deal” and has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies. You might notice that he never shakes hands with contestants on his show. That’s because he has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and is afraid of germs. That’s also why he shaves his head – to feel cleaner.
Howard Stern also has a diagnosis of OCD, but it hasn’t kept him from building a radio show following from around the world.