Scarlett Thomas, the 17-year-old daughter of actor Ryan Thomas, has announced she has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The revelation comes after her father publicly shared his own struggles with the condition.
Scarlett, who has appeared in the BBC drama Waterloo Road, stated in a video on Snapchat that she received her diagnosis three years ago. She expressed that her family needs to "chill out" about the condition, suggesting she feels treated differently since her diagnosis. "The word ADHD, get it away and put it in the bin because what do you mean somebody talks too much? What do you mean somebody has a different personality and suddenly they've got a disorder," Scarlett said. "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 being embarrassed about his diagnosis, stating that ADHD was not widely discussed when he was growing up. Ryan sought assessment after his fiancée, Lucy Mecklenburgh, noted his tendency to lose things and struggle with concentration.
"ADHD for me has been a big problem and I've not actually spoke about it yet because If I'm really honest, I was quite embarrassed that I had ADHD," Ryan stated on the podcast. He confirmed he is on medication for the condition but has still experienced feelings of being overwhelmed and misplacing items. "I've been on it for the last three, four weeks. And I still feel overwhelmed. I still misplace things," he said.
Ryan Thomas also recently defended his decision to allow Scarlett to forgo her GCSE exams, a choice that generated controversy online. Scarlett had shared on TikTok that she would "forever wonder" about her potential results. Her father responded to criticism by stating, "Is it even anyone's business or concern though?"
Scarlett Thomas aims to follow her parents into the entertainment industry, with a passion for acting and singing. She has also signed a record deal, a development her father Ryan celebrated in January as "one of the best days of his life."
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (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, excessive movement or talking, acting without thinking, and difficulty organizing tasks. Most cases are diagnosed between the ages of six and 12. While the exact cause is unclear, genetic factors affecting brain function are thought to play a role. Treatment often involves a combination of medication and therapy to manage symptoms.