Dangers of desiring an ADHD diagnosis

Stars have been making attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism labels something to seek out, Dr Raj Persaud warns

- BY DR RAJ PERSAUD

Leading neurologist Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan recently claimed celebrities are rendering diagnoses like autism and ADHD desirable, even glamorous, and are being overdiagnosed and incorporated into personalities.

This comes as little surprise to specialists like myself who have noticed a profound generational shift - with younger age groups appearing almost to want a psychiatric diagnosis, something those of my age would often fight shy of.

Some celebrity claims must be considered with scepticism. After all, there's no blood test for mental illness, so it is entirely possible to become convinced you have a disorder because you identify with a list of symptoms from the internet. And celebrity achievement against the odds make a compelling narrative. But beware in deciding on what you might be burdened with, even if it feels like you're mirroring your heroes. Your "diagnosis" and "recovery" may take you down an entirely different path.