Lily Allen reveals she’s been diagnosed with ADHD
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Singer Lily Allen has revealed that she has 'just been diagnosed with adult ADHD', saying she isn't surprised with the diagnosis as it 'runs in her family'.
After her move to the United States, she claims that the US takes these sorts of issues 'more seriously' than in England.
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According to the NHS, symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are categorised into two types of behavioural problems; inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing) and hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Because it's a developmental disorder, it's believed it cannot develop in adults without it first appearing during childhood.
The way in which inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness affect adults can be very different from the way they affect children.
Allen, who's married to Stranger Things star David Harbour, admitted in a recent interview with The Times that she wasn't shocked when told the news.
“I’ve actually just been diagnosed with adult ADHD,” she said. “I’ve had to completely switch off social media because as soon as I look at it, it can be hours of my day gone. It sort of runs in my family.
“And it’s only because I’m here in America where they take these things slightly more seriously than they do in England.
“I went to see someone and they said, ‘Have you ever thought about this?’ And I said, ‘Well, yes I have.’ ”
The singer/actor - who is set to appear in The Pillowman, Martin McDonagh’s twisted fairytale in the West End, this summer - also said she has been sober for four years.
She claims that the change in her career has brought out a new 'disciplined' side in her.
“It is really disciplined, and it’s a completely new thing for me,” she explained.
“I think it’s a combination of age and being able to take responsibility and genuinely being fascinated and grateful for these opportunities, which I know so many people have been working towards their entire adult lives.
“And also I’ve been sober for nearly four years. And it’s my job now.”
The singer has openly spoke about her past struggles and in 2013, she told Vulture that she lost her 'identity'.
"I was being a bad mum. I was being bad at my job. I’d wake up on a tour bus in the middle of Wisconsin and be so hung-over," she said.
"I cheated on my husband. All I wanted to do was be with my kids. I wasn’t even making any money.
"Well, I lost my marriage, I lost my house, I lost my mind. I literally had to hit rock bottom and build myself back up."
