Luke Combs Opens Up About Living with a Lesser-Known Form of OCD

Luke Combs Opens Up About Living with a Lesser-Known Form of OCD

Struggles with Mental Health

Renowned country music artist Luke Combs recently shared his personal struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia. The 35-year-old singer-songwriter described his experience with a lesser-known subtype of OCD, often referred to as “purely obsessional OCD” or “Pure O.”

Combs acknowledged the controversial nature of the term, as some mental health professionals argue that it is not an officially recognized subtype. However, he emphasized that this condition significantly affects his daily life.

“Mine is more of an obscure form of OCD,” Combs explained. “It’s particularly wicked because there is no outward manifestation of it.” He described experiencing intrusive and distressing thoughts, ranging from violent imagery to religious concerns, and grappling with unanswerable existential questions.

According to mental health experts, individuals with Pure O experience obsessive thoughts that cause extreme anxiety. Unlike more commonly recognized forms of OCD, which involve visible compulsions such as repetitive handwashing or checking behaviors, Pure O primarily consists of internal mental compulsions. These may include overanalyzing thoughts, seeking reassurance, or avoiding mental triggers.

The Challenges of Living with OCD

Sarah Innes, a psychotherapist with Shift Collab, an online therapy practice in Canada, explained that Pure O is neither uncommon nor less severe than other forms of OCD. However, it is more difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are primarily internal.

Combs elaborated on how the disorder affects him, describing how severe flare-ups can be overwhelming. “A really bad flare-up could have me fixating on thoughts for 45 seconds out of every minute for weeks,” he said. “It’s thoughts that you essentially don’t want to have, and they cause you stress. The stress then triggers more intrusive thoughts, creating a vicious cycle.”

Despite the challenges, Combs expressed gratitude for learning how to manage his condition. “It’s very tedious to pull yourself out of it,” he admitted. “I’m lucky to be an expert in how to get out of it now, but I feel for people who struggle with this.”

A Meteoric Rise to Fame

Luke Combs rose to prominence in 2017 with his debut single Hurricane, which sold 10,000 copies in its first week. Over the past decade, he has achieved tremendous success, earning eight Grammy nominations, nine Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, and three Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards.

In 2023, Combs’ rendition of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 hit Fast Car topped the charts, further solidifying his status as one of country music’s biggest stars. He later performed the song alongside Chapman at the 2024 Grammy Awards, marking a career milestone.

Despite his success, the pressures of fame and relentless touring schedules have sometimes intensified his OCD symptoms. “A flare-up could hit while on stage, and when it does, it can be all-consuming,” he shared. “It has held me back so many times. Just when you’re accomplishing something great, a flare-up can ruin your life for six months, and then you have to start over.”

Understanding Pure O: Is It a Legitimate Diagnosis?

The concept of Pure O remains a topic of debate among mental health professionals. While it is not an officially recognized term in diagnostic manuals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), many clinicians acknowledge that it describes a specific experience within OCD.

Dr. Martin Antony, a psychology professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, explained that OCD is diagnosed based on the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. “You don’t need both to receive a diagnosis, although most individuals with OCD experience a combination of obsessions and compulsions,” he said.

Although Pure O is sometimes perceived as an OCD variant without physical compulsions, Innes clarified that those affected still engage in mental compulsions, such as excessive rumination or reassurance-seeking. “This mental struggle is just as distressing as a physical compulsion,” she said. “However, because it is not always visible, it can be easily overlooked or invalidated.”

Managing OCD: A Message of Hope

Treatment for Pure O typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP), both of which help individuals confront and manage intrusive thoughts. In some cases, medication is also prescribed to alleviate symptoms.

Having battled this condition for years, Combs has learned how to handle it without fear. His message to others struggling with OCD is one of resilience and hope.

“If there’s someone out there struggling with this, I want them to know that it’s possible to live a fulfilling life, have a great family, and achieve your dreams—while still dealing with challenges you don’t want to face.”