John Thompson, best known for his role in Cold Feet, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and opened up about the 'horrifying' side effects he experienced following a medication mix-up. The 57-year-old actor shared his story on the I'm ADHD! No You're Not podcast, hosted by comedian Paul Whitehouse and his wife Dr. Mine Conkbayir, a neuroscientist.
Realisation of ADHD
Thompson recounted the moment he realised he had ADHD while speaking with actress Siobhan Finneran. She turned to him and said, 'Oh, love, you heard us two.' He replied, 'I know, what we like?' to which she responded, 'I get on me own nerves.' Thompson then exclaimed, 'Oh my God, that's it. I say that every day. That sums it up. Jesus, yeah, man. And I do, I get on me own nerves.'
Medication Ordeal
After trying the ADHD medication Elvanse, Thompson quickly understood it was not suitable for him due to frightening side effects. He explained, 'When I tried the Elvanse medication, I was horrified to learn it was an amphetamine. I thought, hang on, I'm in recovery. Why would you give me speed?' He took the medication for a week, describing the experience as 'awful.' He added, 'I started to feel really edgy, like a bit kind of prickly. And I was so gutted that all the three people I know had taken it and went, chatter gone. I feel like they'd had a spliff.'
Early Signs and Sobriety
Thompson noted that his mother observed early signs of ADHD in his childhood, describing him as 'dervish and wild during the daytime.' He also got into trouble at school frequently. In 2021, Thompson celebrated 15 years of sobriety, declaring himself much 'happier and healthier.' He shared a photo on social media holding a '15' badge, writing, 'Well who'd have thought! I'd have made it! 15 years sober. Still stand by the fact, it has been the greatest life-changing decision I've ever made. Happier, healthier, and wiser. Genuinely proud of this achievement.'
Past Struggles
Thompson's life previously spiralled into alcohol and drug abuse, causing his career to decline. He fell out of favour with casting directors and relied on voiceover roles and pantomimes, some paying as little as £50 a night. In 2015, his 10-year marriage ended in divorce, plunging him into depression. In a 2017 interview with Radio Times, he admitted contemplating suicide but said he could never go through with it because of his children. He stated, 'There's a force in me that won't allow me to go that low. Too much to lose.'
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It affects around five per cent of children in the US and approximately 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls in the UK. Symptoms typically appear early and may include constant fidgeting, poor concentration, excessive movement, acting without thinking, and difficulty organising tasks. The exact cause is unclear, but genetic mutations are thought to play a role. There is no cure, but a combination of medication and therapy can help manage symptoms.
