Nadia Sawalha breaks down in tears as she reveals life changing health condition on Loose Women
NADIA Sawalha has revealed her “life changing condition” for the first time on Loose Women today.
The 57-year-old TV star told the panel she has been diagnosed with ADHD.
Nadia made a film about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for the daytime show and discovered she had been living with the condition since childhood.
The mum-of-two, who recently feared she had early onset dementia, talked through her symptoms which are characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
She told ADHD specialist Rebecca: “I couldn’t sit quietly without noise, I have to have something on to relax.
“Years ago I gave myself a lifetime ban on driving and the reason I give is, I lose consciousness.
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“Everyone gets annoyed about this, saying I should pull myself together.”
The star was gripped with emotion as she added: “But actually the thought that I could…”
At the end of the assessment Rebecca confirmed Nadia’s diagnosis and said: “The symptoms you exhibit are consistent with ADHD.”
“I don’t know why that makes me cry, sorry!” Nadia replied through tears.
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Back in the live studio she was applauded for her honest film and spoke more about the condition which her husband Mark Adderley also lives with.
She said she had suffered with compulsive eating in the past, telling the panel: “The point is you are very high risk of addictive behaviour.
“It’s not just silly people running around doing silly things.”
Nadia said she had also started a course of medication and hopes to one day be able to drive without losing concentration.
She said: “If any of this resonates with you, just investigate it a bit further because I am now finding out so much stuff. I have now started medication and things are really changing.”
Viewers praised the star for sharing her journey and one penned on Twitter: “So proud of you @nadia”
Another related to her story and penned: “I’m watching #LooseWomen I don’t know why it was on after the football.. they’re talking about women with ADHD who were diagnosed after later in life.. it’s so sad because Nadia is talking about not being able to drive – and that’s me ”
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be categorised into two types of behavioural problems – inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
While most people show symptoms of both of these manners, this isn’t always the case.
The NHS reveals that the symptoms are…
- Inattentiveness
- having a short attention span and being easily distracted
- making careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork
- appearing forgetful or losing things
- being unable to stick at tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
- appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions
- constantly changing activity or task
- having difficulty organising tasks
- Hyperactivity and impulsiveness
- being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
- constantly fidgeting
- being unable to concentrate on tasks
- excessive physical movement
- excessive talking
- acting without thinking
- interrupting conversations
- little or no sense of danger
- mood swings, irritability and a quick temper