Dave Hughes reveals possible health diagnosis that ‘will affect his comedy’

Comedian Dave Hughes has revealed he may have undiagnosed ADHD.

Speaking on 2DAY FM’s Hughesy, Ed & Erin breakfast show on Tuesday, the 53-year-old radio presenter said he could have the disorder after a fellow comedian with a diagnosis suggested he get tested.

“She told me to take ADHD meds because she thinks I have it,” he told his fellow hosts Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan.

She said she was recently diagnosed and the medication has improved her life tremendously. Since then, I’ve spoken to a number of comedians who have also been diagnosed, and they all rave about the medication, and how it has improved their lives.’

Hughes noted that he isn’t sure if he has ADHD or not, so the radio crew invited psychiatrist Dr. Tanveer Ahmed to discuss Hughes’ possible diagnosis.

Comedian Dave Hughes (pictured) has revealed he may have undiagnosed ADHD

“I guess the question would be, once you’ve been diagnosed and put on medication, what are you trying to improve?” asked Dr. Ahmed.

Hughes explained his extensive employment history and how he failed his studies in two different areas.

‘I started an IT course in 1989, where I couldn’t concentrate. I then studied business administration. I could have become an accountant. “I couldn’t concentrate there,” he said.

“Are you saying that if I had had those medications at the time, I might have stayed at those levels?” he asked Dr. Ahmed.

Speaking on 2DAY FM's breakfast show Hughesy, Ed & Erin on Tuesday, the radio host revealed he could have the disorder after a fellow diagnosed comedian suggested he get tested

Speaking on 2DAY FM’s breakfast show Hughesy, Ed & Erin on Tuesday, the radio host revealed he could have the disorder after a fellow diagnosed comedian suggested he get tested

“Well, there is a possibility… Sometimes with tablets there is a performance improvement or a lot of people have difficulty with these things,” Dr. replied. Ahmed.

“I’m afraid Hughesy will continue to be on the medication and he’ll be super cold… and it will affect his comedy.”

Hughes added, “Honestly, I’m concerned about that.”

ADHD is a mental disorder with symptoms such as concentration problems, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition in adults is treated similarly to ADHD in children, with medication and guidance.

Hughes’ health update comes after the comedian was rushed to hospital in December after dislocating his shoulder on a Queensland beach, resulting in nerve damage and leaving him in excruciating pain.

“Happy NY. Had my least sober NYE in over 30 years. The green whistle came after two hours of the worst pain of my life, plus morphine and all the rest,” he wrote on Instagram.

‘Shoulder dislocation while surfing. 9 out of 10 level nerve damage,” he explained.

“Shout out to wife, @surfersparadiseslsc, and GC medical professionals for their much needed help!

“I’m going to be in a sling for a while, not sure when my next right-handed high five will be,” he continued.

In December, Dave was rushed to hospital after a surfing accident.  Pictured

In December, Dave was rushed to hospital after a surfing accident. Pictured

The 53-year-old dislocated his shoulder during a day out on a Queensland beach, resulting in nerve damage and leaving him in excruciating pain.

The 53-year-old dislocated his shoulder during a day out on a Queensland beach, resulting in nerve damage and leaving him in excruciating pain.

In addition to the caption, Dave shared several dramatic images of the aftermath of the accident.

He is seen hunched over with his arm in a sling as he inhales the famous ‘green whistle’ – which contains the powerful analgesic Penthrox, used to deliver emergency pain relief.

Another image shows the television personality slumped in a beach buggy, driven by a lifesaver, with a towel over his shoulders.

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder defined by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

It affects about five percent of children in the US. In Great Britain, about 3.6 percent of boys and 0.85 percent of girls suffer from this.

Symptoms usually appear at an early age and become more apparent as the child grows. These may also include:

  • Constant fidgeting
  • Poor concentration
  • Excessive movement or talking
  • Act without thinking
  • Inability to cope with stress
  • Little or no sense of danger
  • Careless mistakes
  • Mood swings
  • Forgetfulness
  • Difficulty organizing tasks
  • Constantly starting new tasks before finishing old ones
  • Inability to listen or carry out instructions

Most cases are diagnosed between six and twelve years of age. Adults can also suffer from it, but there is less research into this.

The exact cause of ADHD is unclear, but it is believed to involve genetic mutations that affect a person’s brain function and structure.

Premature babies and babies with epilepsy or brain damage are at greater risk.

ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette’s and epilepsy.

There is no medicine.

A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make daily life easier.

Source: NHS choices