Lily Allen reveals she has been diagnosed with adult ADHD
Lily Allen has revealed that she was recently diagnosed with developmental adult ADHD.
The 37-year-old singer-turned-actress explained that while she only recently learned of the condition, she’s not surprised by the news as it runs in her family.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
Sharing the news in a new interview with The timesthe London-born woman also described her life in the US, where she lives with husband David Harbour.
While 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 in a new interview that she has been diagnosed with adult ADHD
Over the pond: She also explained that living across the pond from her siblings and family means her life is ‘separate’, the mum-of-two described herself as a ‘loner’ (pictured with dad Keith Allen in 2007)
Lily moved from the UK to New York City in 2020, where she shares a home with David from Stranger Things and her two children.
The Smile singer shares daughters Ethel, 10, and Marni, nine, with ex-husband Sam Cooper, who she divorced in 2018.
But coming from Hammersmith, the star is now far removed from the rest of her clan – including famous father Keith Allen and the brother of Game Of Thrones actor Alfie Allen.
Lily admitted she lives a reclusive life, explaining, “I live quite apart 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 has also resulted in her being diagnosed with adult ADHD, which she says was no surprise.
“It kind of 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 someone and they said, “Have you ever thought about this?” And I said, “Well, I have,” Lily explained.
There is no cure for ADHD and the exact cause is unclear, but it is believed to involve genetic mutations that affect a person’s brain function and structure.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and substance abuse.
Siblings: The star lives in the United States and is now far removed from the rest of her clan – including famous father Keith Allen and the brother of Game Of Thrones actor Alfie Allen (pictured together in 2008)
Loved up: Lily moved to New York City in 2020 with her American husband David Harbor (pictured this week)
Loving mum: While also sharing daughters Ethel, 10, and Marni, nine, with ex-husband Sam Cooper
She said of her diagnosis, “It kind of runs in my family. And it’s only because I’m here in America where they take these things a little more seriously than in England’
Lily has a rocky past involving alcohol and drugs and is now four years sober, recently admitting that her life has “changed so much” since she stopped drinking in 2019.
In 2021, the star confessed that she had previously turned to adderall, a prescription-only drug to treat ADHD, to lose weight – but quickly developed an addiction.
Of the experience, which took place in 2014, she said, “I became addicted to this drug because it made me invincible and allowed me to work very long hours and be all the people I needed to be.”
In 2018, she came under fire for glorifying drug use after admitting to sniffing a line of ketamine at the 2008 Glamor Woman Of The Year Awards.
Describing what happened, Allen said, “Someone once gave me a line of what I assumed was cocaine at the Glamor Awards, but it turned out to be ketamine.” I got kicked out (passed over a fence) from the Glamor Awards for being in an ak-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 for her first TV role in the new comedy drama Dreamland, Lily says acting has brought a new discipline to her life.
She told The Times: ‘It’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 that I know so many people have worked their entire adult lives for.”
Battle: Adults with ADHD are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and substance abuse — with the now sober Lily previously admitting to being addicted to the prescription drug Adderall in 2014 (pictured)
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