Johnny Vegas says ADHD diagnosis 'answers a lot of questions'

Johnny Vegas said he has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The 52-year-old comedian from St Helens said it was "always kicked around as a notion" prior to him finding out before Christmas that he has the condition, which affects people's behaviour.

ADHD can include symptoms such as being restless and having trouble concentrating.

Vegas told BBC Breakfast on Wednesday that his diagnosis "answers a lot of questions about behavioural issues" he has had.

The comedian added: "It's that sense of disorganisation and doing basic tasks... everybody has an element of it, it's how strong your filter is, I think.

"When you don't have a filter at all... very simple things become very time consuming.

"(I'll say) 'I'll shift that cup', and then you have 10 other ideas and you haven't shifted that cup, and then three weeks later that cup's still there and somebody's like, 'Why haven't you shifted that', and it's become this monumental task and it's built up.

"It's just, I suppose, how your brain organises itself, and I always knew I was disorganised... but (it) helps make sense of a lot of things at school. I'm only just on the verge of learning about it."

Vegas added that he has the same agent as Sue Perkins, who had "suggested" he get tested for ADHD as she had also been diagnosed with the condition.

Former Great British Bake Off presenter Perkins told her Twitter followers last week: "Once I had the diagnosis, suddenly everything made sense - to me and those who love me."

Vegas added that if the "chaos helped me be a better stand-up" then it is good as it "made" him who he is.

He also said: "In some respects you can go back and look at it with regret, but I've had a bit of a charmed life, so it's no regrets.

"I know now and it helps you make changes, I suppose, as you want to get more responsible later in life. I don't see it as defining me."

ADHD explained

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

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What causes ADHD?

The exact cause is unknown, but it can run in families.

Research has found a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition.

Other factors could include:

  • being born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)

  • having a low birthweight

  • smoking or alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy

ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability, although experts say it's more common in people with learning difficulties.

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