Ant McPartlin opens up to Kate Middleton about past addictions
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
After receiving treatment in rehab and being fined £86,000 following his conviction in April 2018, McPartlin had a surprising health revelation, discovering that he had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Following his diagnosis, the star admitted that the condition has both positives and negatives that have affected his life choices. On the one hand McPartlin said that it “made sense” as it has a lot of links to alcohol-dependency, but also said that having the behavioural condition held him in “good stead” for working in live TV.
“I’ve got ADHD. I don’t mind talking about that,” he told The Sun, when first speaking out about the condition in 2019.
“I never knew that until afterwards. I was so thoroughly examined and diagnosed, I found stuff out about me I hadn’t addressed for years.
“There’s a lot of characteristics that held me in good stead working in live television. Richard [Bacon] said the same.
“In my job, having what they call ‘popcorn thinking’ is good because it means you can jump from one thing to another. Professionally, it’s brilliant. Personally, I’m all over the place.”
Since speaking out about his diagnosis, BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Bacon acknowledged McPartlin’s comments about him, whilst other members of the ADHD community showered the star with support.
The ADHD Foundation tweeted saying: “Many successful public figures have ADHD, Autism Dyslexia Dyspraxia etc.
“Well done Ant McPartlin- you didn’t have to tell anyone. We applaud your honesty.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood.
Typically diagnosed when individuals are young, children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours and being overly active – symptoms that McPartlin has dealt with for years.
The CDC adds that it is possible to notice the signs of ADHD, as children may do the following:
- Daydream a lot
- Forget or lose things a lot
- Squirm or fidget
- Talk too much
- Make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
- Have a hard time resisting temptation
- Have trouble taking turns
- Have difficulty getting along with others.
There are three types of the condition and individuals will be diagnosed depending on the types of symptoms that they present most strongly.
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation makes it hard for the individual to organise or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation means a person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g. for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity.
Combined Presentation is where symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.
The NHS adds that symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who are diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems. In some cases this can lead to further trouble with sleep and anxiety disorders.
Scientists currently believe that the cause of ADHD may involve genetics. Research has also identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ant & Dec (@antanddec)
Specifically, some studies, like the one published in 2008 showed “consistent evidence” of association between ADHD and a dopamine D4 receptor gene VNTR and a dopamine D5 receptor gene.
If you or someone you know displays any of the above symptoms, it is advised to seek a medical opinion. For children, concerns can also be discussed with teachers or a school’s special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).
Once diagnosed, although there’s no cure, it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and affected children, alongside medicine, if necessary.
For adults with ADHD, the NHS explains that medicine is often the first treatment offered, although psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may also help.
Source: Read Full Article