Scarlett Thomas, 17, has shared that she has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The diagnosis comes after her father, actor Ryan Thomas, and his brothers, Adam and Scott, have openly discussed their own experiences with the condition. Scarlett, who appeared in the BBC series "Waterloo Road," stated in a video shared on Snapchat that she received her diagnosis three years ago and feels she is treated differently as a result.
Scarlett expressed that she believes her family needs to "chill out" about her ADHD, viewing it as a personality trait rather than a disorder. "The word ADHD, get it away and put it in the bin because what do you mean somebody talks too much?" she questioned in the video. "What do you mean somebody has a different personality and suddenly they've got a disorder. I don't get it. I was diagnosed in year nine, it's literally just a personality."
Her father, Ryan Thomas, revealed his own ADHD diagnosis earlier this year on the podcast "At Home With The Thomas Bro's." He admitted to initially feeling embarrassed about his diagnosis, as ADHD was not widely discussed when he was younger. Thomas stated he sought an assessment after his fiancée, Lucy Mecklenburgh, noted his habit of repeatedly losing things and his struggles with concentration. He is now on medication, though he noted that even after several weeks, he still feels overwhelmed and misplaces items, but can occasionally focus on tasks like writing.
The revelation follows a period of public discussion regarding Scarlett's education. Ryan Thomas had previously defended his decision to allow his daughter to forgo GCSE exams to focus on her acting career. While GCSEs are not a legal requirement in England, and students can pursue alternative qualifications or leave formal education at 16, the decision to skip the national exams sparked controversy online. Scarlett has expressed a desire to follow her parents into the entertainment industry, having already signed a record deal and appeared in "Waterloo Road."
ADHD is a behavioral condition characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. According to the NHS, symptoms typically emerge in early childhood and can include constant fidgeting, poor concentration, acting without thinking, mood swings, and difficulty organizing tasks. While the exact cause is unclear, genetic factors affecting brain function are thought to play a role. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and therapy to manage symptoms.