Loose women panellist Nadia Sawalha struggled to fight back tears as she shared her life-changing diagnosis with viewers and her co-stars. During Thursday's (Nov 24) instalment of the ITV show, the presenter opened up on her battles with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
According to the NHS, ADHD is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.
Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school. However, sometimes ADHD is not recognised when someone is a child, and they are diagnosed later as an adult.
In Thursday's episode, a segment aired that showed Nadia going through an assessment for the condition, before later being diagnosed with it. Her husband, Mark Adderly, could be seen with her as a specialist explained her diagnosis, causing Nadia to break down in tears as she was informed the symptoms she exhibits are "consistent with ADHD".
Nadia then went on to speak to various other people living with the condition, as reported by OK! magazine. Addressing her ADHD, she said: "I couldn't sit quietly without noise, I have to have something on to relax," she told viewers.
"Years ago I gave myself a lifetime ban on driving and the reason I give is I lose consciousness, and everyone gets annoyed about this, saying I should pull myself together.... I couldn't accept there was some reason for all this chaos I've experienced throughout my life."
The 58-year-old spoke on the show about how she's been since and urged viewers to investigate their symptoms if they suspect anything. She said: "If any of this resonates with you just investigate it a bit further.
"I have started medication and things are really changing for me." The mum of two continued: "The point is you are at very high risk of addictive behaviour. It's not just silly people running around doing silly things."
Many watching took to social media to shower the presenter with praise. @Meszyonee tweeted: "#LooseWomen so proud of you Nadia."
@Carrie69Wales added: "@loosewomen thank you so much for talking about ADHD today it shockingly resonated with me to the point I completed an online test and now need to book an appointment with GP." @MandMaguire put: "@loosewomen Nadia covering her #ADHD diagnosis. Great coverage on adhd women being seen!"
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30pm.
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