News On Japan

Actor Jiro Sato Opens Up About His Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

TOKYO, Feb 08 (News On Japan) - Renowned for his unique character roles, actor Jiro Sato recently disclosed on social media that he has been grappling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) since his elementary school days. What exactly is this condition, and when should one consider seeking medical advice? A psychiatric specialist provides clarity on these questions.

Understanding OCD: Beyond Daily Inconveniences

According to caster Yasumi Yoshihara, the disorder Sato revealed—OCD—affects daily life due to obsessive symptoms. Typically manifesting in individuals between their teens and twenties, it's a relatively common condition, occurring in 1 to 4 out of 100 people over their lifetime.

Psychiatric specialist Shinichiro Tanaka elaborates on the symptoms: repeated hand-washing without feeling clean, checking locks multiple times, stopping to check if one has accidentally hit someone while driving, or feeling unease upon seeing certain numbers like 4 or 9.

These compulsions can escalate, consuming hours for a single action, significantly hindering work and daily routines.

When Worry Becomes Excessive: Recognizing OCD

Tanaka notes symptoms such as needing to perform actions with both hands or feeling restless until actions are mirrored on both sides.

Caster Chiaki Horan queries how to differentiate between being overly cautious and having OCD. Tanaka explains the distinction lies in the individual's "trouble" with their actions, where worry might resolve in minutes, but OCD can extend over hours or require countless repetitions.

Caster Takahiro Inoue asks if such compulsions are uncontrollable. Tanaka confirms, sometimes actions are performed despite knowing they're unnecessary, varying by individual.

Legal expert Maiko Hagiya inquires about repeated actions, like multiple checks on door locks, questioning if it's merely excessive worry. Tanaka suggests such behavior might be extreme worry if it occurs a few times, but consistent repetitions indicate OCD.

Seeking Help: When and How

The difference between general worry and OCD lies in the frequency and duration of compulsions. Indicators for seeking medical consultation include disruptions to school or work, avoiding certain places, or being unable to leave the house.

Treatment typically involves medication, such as antidepressants, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to alter thoughts and behaviors. However, Tanaka warns recovery can be lengthy and challenging.

For those living with someone with OCD, understanding and proper response are crucial, especially distinguishing between "self-contained" and "involving" types of OCD, the latter requiring family support and perhaps urging medical consultation.

This detailed exploration following Sato's disclosure sheds light on OCD's complexities, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing it from mere worry and recognizing when professional help is needed.

Source: TBS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The 75th Sapporo Snow Festival kicked off on February 4th, drawing large crowds from both Japan and abroad to one of Hokkaido’s most iconic winter events.

A 55-year-old demolition worker has been arrested on suspicion of violating Hokkaido’s Public Nuisance Prevention Ordinance after entering a convenience store wearing only stockings on his lower body and exposing himself to a female clerk.

A series of monkey attacks on residents have been reported in Tokushima City since January, with cases involving elementary and junior high school students prompting heightened police patrols.

SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have launched a new AI services company in Japan, aiming to drive innovation in enterprise AI. At the unveiling, Son introduced the company’s first service, "Crystal," which he described as a revolutionary AI solution that will transform business operations.

Russia has expanded its facilities on Suisho Island in the Habomai group of the Northern Territories, which it continues to occupy illegally.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

A newly built public toilet in a remote village in Nara Prefecture has become the subject of controversy—not for its design, but for its staggering cost of nearly 1 billion yen.

North Safari Sapporo, a zoo in Sapporo, Hokkaido, known for allowing visitors to stay near lions and seals and often referred to as Japan’s 'most dangerous zoo,' is now facing potential closure due to a dispute over its land use.

Two self-styled "private arrest" YouTubers have been handed suspended sentences after being convicted of inciting a man to bring illegal drugs.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of abandoning a body after a dismembered male corpse was discovered in a mountainous area of Higashi-Osaka.

Crimes committed by foreign visitors to Japan are on the rise, in particular, a growing trend of short-term visitors who commit crimes and immediately flee to their home countries, a pattern referred to as 'hit-and-run' crimes. Why is Japan being targeted?

A coalition of five cities across three prefectures, where traditional fishing methods such as cormorant fishing (ukai) and female free-diving (ama) remain practiced, has formed a council to seek joint registration as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The council was officially established on February 1st.

On February 2nd, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba Prefecture held its annual Setsubun ceremony, with actors and sumo wrestlers joining the traditional bean-throwing ritual on the day before spring begins.

Three members of an organized crime group, including a senior gang member, have been arrested for allegedly breaking into a mobile phone retailer in Ama City, Aichi Prefecture, and stealing 31 smartphones.