Rebecca Gibney Reveals ADHD and Autism Diagnosis in Emotional Interview
Australian television star Rebecca Gibney, best known for her roles in Packed To The Rafters and as host of Millionaire Hot Seat, has publicly disclosed her recent diagnosis with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism. The 61-year-old actress shared the news in a candid interview with The Australian's Women's Weekly, expressing that she is still grappling with the revelation.
Understanding the Conditions: ADHD and Autism Spectrum
ADHD is a behavioural condition characterised by symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Autism, on the other hand, affects how individuals communicate, interact with others, behave, and process information. It is often described as a 'spectrum' disorder due to the wide variation in severity and presentation among those diagnosed.
Gibney described the diagnosis as an emotional rollercoaster, stating, 'It's been hard. It's been very emotional. I've cried a lot more in the last few months than I've cried in a long time, which I thought I'd gotten over as a woman over 60. I was like, 'No, I've got all that stuff sorted'.'
The Path to Diagnosis and Past Struggles
The actress discovered her condition after consulting a psychologist earlier this year, following personal challenges she faced after appearing on Dancing With The Stars. She revealed that the diagnosis has provided clarity on long-standing issues, including panic attacks and years of 'masking'—a term referring to the practice of hiding natural behaviours to fit in socially, which she began at a young age.
'I'm still coming to terms with it because it's answered a lot of questions from my past - my panic attacks, my years of masking, which started obviously at a very early age,' Gibney confessed.
A Double-Edged Sword: Relief and Grief
While the diagnosis has helped Gibney better understand her history of shyness, anxiety, and panic attacks, it has also brought feelings of grief and disappointment. She reflected on how earlier knowledge might have altered her life experiences, particularly during difficult high school years marked by mental health struggles.
'There's that slight mourning - gosh, if I'd known this 40, 50 years ago, would I have gone through all the stuff that I went through? Maybe it would have made my high school years easier because, you know, I did have a lot of mental health struggles.'
Joining Other Celebrities with Late Diagnoses
Gibney is part of a growing number of Australian public figures diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Notable examples include:
- Mamamia co-founder Mia Freeman, diagnosed at age 49
- Actress Sigrid Thornton, diagnosed at 65
- Media personality Em Rusciano, diagnosed with ADHD and autism at 43
- Feminist author Clementine Ford, diagnosed with ADHD at 41
Long-Stated Challenges and Personal Insights
In previous interviews, Gibney has spoken openly about her mental health battles, describing debilitating panic attacks that began at age 14 and persisted into her 30s, chronic people-pleasing tendencies, and what she calls a 'not normal' brain. She explained, 'I've got too many drop-down tabs going in my head. I can hyper focus on one thing and then I get panicked because I've let the other thing slide.'
Despite a successful four-decade career, Gibney notes that only recently, through inner work, has she learned to let go of perfectionism and prioritise her wellbeing. 'I've probably always been a bit of a people pleaser - I think I inherited that from Mum. I can't enjoy myself unless everyone is too,' she said, adding that she is now better at setting boundaries, as encouraged by her husband Richard.
Key Facts About ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a behavioural condition with symptoms that often appear in early childhood and become more noticeable as a child grows. Common indicators include:
- Constant fidgeting and excessive movement
- Poor concentration and forgetfulness
- Acting without thinking and little sense of danger
- Difficulty organising tasks and carrying out instructions
While most cases are diagnosed between ages six and twelve, adults can also be affected, though research in this area is less extensive. The exact cause of ADHD remains unclear but is believed to involve genetic factors influencing brain function and structure. There is no cure, but a combination of medication and therapy is typically recommended to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
