Lily Allen reveals she has been diagnosed with adult ADHD

‘I’m a bit of a loner’: Lily Allen reveals she has been diagnosed with ADHD while detailing the ‘isolation’ of living across the pond from her family

Lily Allen has revealed that she has recently been diagnosed with developmental disorder ADHD.

The singer-turned-actress, 37, explained that whilst only learning of the condition recently, she isn’t surprised with the news as it runs in her family.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. 

Sharing the news in a new interview with The Times, the London native also detailed her life in the US, where she lives with husband David Harbour.

Explaining that living across the pond from her siblings and family means her life is ‘separate’, the mother-of-two described herself as a ‘loner’. 

‘I’m a bit of a loner’: Lily Allen has revealed that she has been diagnosed with ADHD

Across the pond: She also explained  that living across the pond from her siblings and family means her life is ‘separate’, the mother-of-two described herself as a ‘loner’ (pictured with dad Keith Allen in 2007)

Lily moved from the UK in 2020 over to New York City, where she shares a home with Stranger Things’ David and her two children.

The Smile singer shares daughters Ethel, 10, and Marni, nine, with her ex-husband Sam Cooper, who she split from in 2018.

But hailing from Hammersmith, the star is now far from the rest of her clan – including famous dad Keith Allen and Game Of Thrones actor brother Alfie Allen. 

Admitting that she enjoys a secluded lifestyle, Lily explained: ‘I live quite a separate life from everybody now that I’m over here in America. I’m a bit of a loner, a bit of an isolationist.’

The move to America has also resulted in her diagnosis with adult ADHD, which she admitted wasn’t a surprise. 

‘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,’ ‘ explained Lily.

ADHD does not have a cure and the exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person’s brain function and structure. 

Adults with ADHD are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, feelings of low self-esteem and drug misuse.

Siblings: Living over in the states, the star is now far from the rest of her clan – including famous dad Keith Allen and Game Of Thrones actor brother Alfie Allen (pictured together in 2008)

Loved up: Lily moved across to New York City with her US husband David Harbour back in 2020 (pictured this week)

She said of her diagnosis: ‘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’

Lily has had a rocky past with alcohol and drugs and has now been sober for four years, admitting recently that her life has ‘changed so much’ since giving up drinking in 2019.

Back in 2021, the star confessed that she had previously turned to adderall, which is a prescription-only drug to treat ADHD, in order to lose weight – but quickly developed an addiction.

Talking on the experience, which happened in 2014, she said: ‘I got addicted to this drug because it made me invincible and I could work really long hours and be all the people I was required to be.’

While in 2018, she came under fire for glamourising drug-taking after admitting she snorted a line of ketamine at the Glamour Woman Of The Year Awards in 2008.

Describing what happened, Allen said: ‘Someone gave me a line of what I assumed to be cocaine at the Glamour awards once, but it turned out to be Ketamine. I was thrown out (passed over some railings) of the Glamour awards for being in a k hole.’

She added: ‘Obviously I couldn’t talk, or direct the driver so my assistant instructed the occupant of the car behind to ‘follow that cab’ I believe the occupant was @chattyman I have no idea what happened next.’

But as she prepares to take on her first TV role in new comedy drama Dreamland, Lily shares that acting has brought out a new discipline in her life.

She told The Times: ‘ It is really disciplined, and it’s a completely new thing for me. 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.’

Battle: Adults with ADHD are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, feelings of low self-esteem and drug misuse – with now-sober Lily previously admitting to having an addiction to prescription drug adderall back in 2014 (pictured)

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK. 

Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:

• Constant fidgeting 
• Poor concentration
• Excessive movement or talking
• Acting without thinking
• Little or no sense of danger 
• Careless mistakes
• Forgetfulness 
• Difficulty organising tasks
• Inability to listen or carry out instructions 

Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this.

ADHD’s exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person’s brain function and structure.

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

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

There is no cure. 

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

Source: NHS Choices 

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