Actor Simon Pegg reveals ADHD diagnosis: 'It's just who I am'

Although many people may feel like they have some similar symptoms, genetics play an important role in ADHD and a full diagnosis is given to those who are negatively affected on a daily basis.

Pegg said he had previously been putting his symptoms down to "just character fault".

The actor and writer also spoke about his mental health, including having clinical depression and struggling to control his drinking, which he said he initially thought had "caused" his diagnosis.

"I felt like it was something that had come on in later life because I wasn't a naughty child.

"I've had bouts of depression in my adult life since 18 and I thought maybe it had come on with that.

"Maybe over the years with therapy and medication - whatever - I've been treating the symptoms and not the cause of why I feel that way."

Pegg said: "I did feel different in a way I might not be able to put my finger on. Maybe everybody feels that way.

"I just assumed ADHD kids were kind of chaotic and difficult and didn't pay attention in school," he added.

"But there were other things that I did do as a kid – fidget or whatever – that made me think, 'Oh no, maybe I've had this longer than I thought'."

Pegg said his wife has been supportive and is "dealing with it as if I'd been diagnosed ages ago", adding: "It's just who I am, and it's just things that I do.

"She makes allowances for forgetfulness and and lack of concentration."

Other celebrities who have been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood include comedian and actor Johnny Vegas, comic and presenter Sue Perkins, presenters Ant McPartlin and Richard Bacon, comedian Rory Bremner and model Erin O'Connor.

ADHD is described by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) as "a behavioural syndrome characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention".

The NHS estimates that about 2.5 million people in England have ADHD, including those without a formal diagnosis.

Diagnosis rates of ADHD and autism have soared, and waiting lists for assessments on the NHS in England are at record levels, with lists even closing in some areas due to the huge demand.

Research from University College London suggests nearly a 20-fold increase in the number of UK adults diagnosed with ADHD between 2000 and 2018.

Despite these rises in diagnosis and referrals, some studies suggest ADHD is actually underdiagnosed.

In June, the Lancet Regional Health Europe journal published research suggesting that while around 1.2% of adults in England had an ADHD diagnosis, international prevalence data estimates it affects 3-5% of people. The authors of the study said this indicates it could still be under-diagnosed, particularly in older age groups.