Vicky Pattison Sought ADHD Diagnosis Before Motherhood Journey
The television personality revealed her concerns about managing the condition unmedicated during pregnancy and motherhood.
Vicky Pattison, 38, has disclosed that she pursued an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis prior to embarking on her path to motherhood. The television personality expressed concern that her late thirties, combined with the prospect of trying for a baby, could act as a 'catalyst,' potentially making it difficult to manage her ADHD without medication.
Pattison announced her ADHD diagnosis in June of this year. The neurodevelopmental condition is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that often continue from childhood into adulthood.
In a recent interview with Women's Health, Pattison stated, "It’s not important for me to have the label – I know myself. But I’m aware there’s been a lot of studies and personal experiences being shared about women rawdogging things such as autism and ADHD until they’re in their forties, and then they unravel."
She elaborated on her concerns, saying, "I’m in my late thirties and about to embark on a journey to motherhood. I fear those will both be catalysts for me not being able to manage my ADHD any more in an unmedicated way."
Pattison showcased her toned physique in an accompanying cover shoot for the magazine, noting that her fitness regimen has undergone a transformation with the aim of achieving peak health as she prepares for a baby. The star has been open about her fertility journey, candidly documenting her egg-freezing process, which began at age 35.
She opted for the procedure to take control of her fertility, resulting in three embryos being frozen. In her show, "Vicky Pattison: Maybe, Baby?," she confirmed her and husband Ercan Ramadan's desire to become parents.
Reflecting on her decision, Pattison shared, "What I realised slowly is that it’s a huge sacrifice and a huge commitment. But it’s also one that’s worth doing if you think you want to be a mum. That [feeling] just grew, and it got to the point where I was making the show and some days I’d wake up crying, because I didn’t have a baby. That’s how I knew this is the route I want to take."
She expressed hope for a straightforward path to parenthood, adding, "I hope with all my heart that our journey [to parenthood] is a straightforward one – but if it’s not, we have a backup plan. I’ve always said Ercan was the best decision I ever made."
Pattison also advised others, "But the next best decision was to freeze my eggs. I look forward to the day when it’s more affordable and readily available to all women. But we can’t recommend it enough to anyone who’s found happiness later in life, who hasn’t found the man of their dreams, who has a question mark over it, if you’re in a position to."
Beyond her magazine feature, Pattison has been announced as the new co-host of Women's Health UK's "Just As Well" podcast. In this role, she will join Women's Health's Editor-in-Chief Claire Sanderson to discuss a range of topics concerning women's physical and mental health.
