Loose Women's Nadia Sawalha has opened up about being diagnosed with a condition shared with 2.6 million Brits.
Nadia, 60, was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022. The condition, known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, often makes it difficult for individuals to remain still or maintain focus.
According to the NHS, those with ADHD may experience feelings of inattention, restlessness, or be prone to distraction. It can also lead to impulsive decision-making, reports Surrey Live.
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Nadia revealed that her children noticed signs indicative of ADHD. She disclosed this during an episode of Loose Women: The Podcast, after co-star Kaye Adams inquired whether her children had "observed" any behaviours that aligned with the condition.
Nadia responded: "Total chaos, could spend three hours clearing the place up, then turn around and it's like, 'How did that happen? It's all upside down', and my kids will often sit at the breakfast bar when I'm cooking and go, 'oh but you were going to do that', but I go over here, then I go over here, like that.
"Not being able to listen intently, that was really difficult for them. They'd say, 'Mum, I feel like you're not properly listening', because I can't sit for too long, I'll get up and go off and do something halfway through their talking.
"So I'll be listening but I'll be doing something else. I'm compelled to do that, I can't sit still."
Nadia has opened up about her emotional reaction upon being diagnosed with ADHD, revealing that her initial tears were of relief rather than sadness.
She described her mixed emotions, saying: "[I was] happy and sad. When I first got the diagnosis I cried with relief.
"I remember when they told me about it, they thought I was crying because I was upset, and I was trying to tell them that I was so relieved there was some reason for these things."
Despite a momentary feeling of sadness, Nadia shared that the medical professionals reassured her of her achievements, encouraging her not to view herself as a "failure". She now embraces her ADHD, stating: "Now, all these years on, I love my ADHD brain, I don't reject it, I'm not angry about it."
Her colleague from Loose Women, Denise Welch, also received an ADHD diagnosis in January 2023, which Nadia believes has created a deeper understanding between them.
Discussing the positive changes since her diagnosis, Nadia mentioned: "I can listen better, I don't miss the middle bit because my brain has gone off."
She also touched on the public's perception of ADHD within their television circle, adding: "Denise has spoken about having ADHD and the story is they knew there were two Loose Women who were ADHD and they guessed me and Denise. You'll see that with Denise and we know it with each other, I know what's going on, if you're not ADHD then you don't understand it."
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
According to the NHS, adults with ADHD can often find themselves having high energy levels and feeling compulsive. Symptoms can include:
Being unable to sit still or fidgeting constantly.
Being unable to concentrate on tasks, especially when seated or in quiet situations.
Acting without thinking, such as speaking at inappropriate times, interrupting, or shouting out answers.
Having little or no sense of danger.
Being unable to wait their turn or impatience.
Constantly moving or feeling restless.
Talking excessively.
If you believe you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and it is impacting your day-to-day life, the NHS advises booking an appointment with your GP.
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