Lily Allen reveals she has been diagnosed with adult ADHD
Lily Allen has revealed that she was recently diagnosed with adult developmental disorder ADHD.
The singer-turned-actress, 37, explained that although she recently found out about the condition, she is not surprised by the news as it is somewhat familiar.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral condition defined by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Sharing the news in a new interview with The timesThe London native also detailed her life in the United States, where she lives with her husband David Harbour.
Explaining that living across the pond from her siblings and family means her life is “separated”, the mother-of-two described herself as a “loner”.
‘I’m a little lonely’: Lily Allen has revealed in a new interview that she has been diagnosed with ADHD in adults
Across the pond: Also explaining that living across the pond from her siblings and family means her life is ‘separated’, the mother-of-two described herself as a ‘loner’ (pictured with her father Keith Allen in 2007)
Lily moved from the UK in 2020 to New York City, where she shares a home with David from Stranger Things and their two children.
The Smile singer shares daughters Ethel, 10, and Marni, nine, with ex-husband Sam Cooper, whom she separated from in 2018.
But hailing from Hammersmith, the star is now far from the rest of his clan, including famous father Keith Allen and Game Of Thrones actor brother Alfie Allen.
Admitting that she enjoys a secluded lifestyle, Lily explained: “I live a pretty separate life from everyone now that I’m here in America.” I’m a bit of a loner, a bit of an isolationist.
The move to America also resulted in his adult ADHD diagnosis, which he admitted wasn’t a surprise.
‘It’s like something that runs in my family. And it’s only because I’m here in America, where they take these things a little 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, I do have,” Lily explained.
ADHD has no cure and the exact cause is unclear, but it is believed to involve genetic mutations that affect the function and structure of a person’s brain.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, feelings of low self-esteem, and drug abuse.
Siblings: Living in the US, the star is now away from the rest of his clan, including famous father Keith Allen and Game Of Thrones actor brother Alfie Allen (pictured together in 2008)
Loved it: Lily moved to New York City with her American husband David Harbor in 2020 (pictured this week)
Doting mom: while also sharing daughters Ethel, 10, and Marni, nine, with ex-husband Sam Cooper
She said of her diagnosis: ‘It’s something that runs in my family. And it’s only because I’m here in America, where they take these things a little more seriously than they do in England.
Lily has had a difficult past with alcohol and drugs and has now been sober for four years, recently admitting that her life has “changed a lot” since she stopped drinking in 2019.
In 2021, the star confessed that she had previously turned to Adderall, which is a prescription medication to treat ADHD, to lose weight, but quickly developed an addiction.
Speaking about the experience, which happened in 2014, she said: “I became addicted to this drug because it made me invincible and I could work long hours and be everyone I was asked to be.”
While in 2018, she came under fire for glorifying drug use after admitting to inhaling a line of ketamine at the Glamor Woman Of The Year awards in 2008.
Describing what happened, Allen said, “Someone gave me a line of what I assumed was cocaine at the Glamor Awards one time, but it turned out to be ketamine.” I got kicked (went over some railings) from the Glamor Awards for being in a hole.
She added: “Obviously I couldn’t speak or direct the driver so my assistant signaled to the occupant of the car behind to ‘follow that cab’. I think the occupant was @chattyman. I have no idea what it happened afterwards.”
But as she prepares to take on her first television role in the new comedy-drama Dreamland, Lily shares that acting has brought a new discipline into her life.
She told The Times: ‘He’s really disciplined, and it’s something completely new to me. I think it’s a combination of age and being able to take responsibility and being genuinely fascinated and grateful for these opportunities, which I know many people have been working towards their entire adult lives.
Battle: Adults with ADHD are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, feelings of low self-esteem, and drug abuse. Lily, now sober, previously admitted that she had an addiction to the prescription drug Adderall in 2014 (pictured).