John Whaite reveals he’s been diagnosed with ADHD and admits, ‘I wish I’d known this sooner’

John Whaite has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a candid Instagram post on Monday.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 34, explained that he announced his diagnosis to help others.

He was rather honest about his mental health, sharing his struggles with depression and bulimia and difficult relationship with alcohol.

The Great British Bake Off winner admitted he wishes he had known about his ADHD sooner so he could have included it in his forthcoming memoir.

John shared a photo of himself and wrote, “Am I posting this for a dopamine rush, or to inform? Well, it turns out, a little bit of both. Because I have ADHD, which explains a lot.

Candid: The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 34, explained he announced his diagnosis to help others

“I know that my behavior over the past ten years (and my way of thinking over the past thirty years) has not been ‘normal’.

“I’ve often wondered if I have a personality disorder, some deep-seated psychological trauma, or just a brain that’s not quite wired up.

“I’ve been impulsive and borderline addicted (to sex, porn, shopping, food, drink, drugs) and made some very questionable decisions.

“But these weren’t decisions, they were compulsions, because of the neurological workings in my head.”

Remaining positive, he added, “But it’s not all bad. Because I truly believe it’s my ADHD that has made me so obsessed and focused on things I enjoy that I work hard at it until I burn out.

“While burnout isn’t great, the skills I’ve acquired and the career paths I’ve followed along the way have been a big part of my strength and success. And I am grateful for those opportunities and opportunities.

“But I’m even more thankful for knowing I have ADHD. Because the shame and guilt can be immediately replaced by conversation – destruction becomes construction.’

He continued, “I had no intention of sharing this. I would keep it to myself. But I know from speaking openly about depression, alcohol use, bulimia, that people can find solace in the experiences of others. I know I definitely have.

Admission: The Great British Bake Off winner admitted he wishes he had known about his ADHD sooner so he could have included it in his forthcoming memoir

So maybe I’m here looking for a dopamine rush. I may be doing my duty as someone in the public eye to share my lived experience. Anyway, make of this what you will.

“A huge thank you to @shahna_h (and @irondoctorhaz) for their kindness and support ❤️.”

He concluded, “I wish I had known this sooner, so that I could have written about it in my memoirs (already printed), but if you read it now I think you will understand it even better.” ‘

John was inundated with messages of support from his followers and thanked them by writing, “Thank you so much for your comments. And I am so glad that many of you can relate to what I have written. Lots of love to you all.”