Actor and writer Simon Pegg has revealed that he was diagnosed with ADHD after years of suspecting that the condition might explain difficulties he had treated as a character flaw. He said the diagnosis confirmed many issues he had been wrestling with and that he pursued an assessment because he wanted certainty.
Pegg, 56, said he had experienced depression since he was 18 and had struggled to control his drinking. He initially wondered whether those problems had caused ADHD or whether treatment had addressed symptoms without explaining why he felt that way. He also said he had assumed ADHD mainly affected children who were chaotic, disruptive and inattentive, but later reconsidered childhood habits such as fidgeting.
The actor linked his concerns to driving after reversing into a post while on holiday in Greece and researching whether ADHD was associated with more car accidents. He has also had several speeding convictions and previously said poor concentration while driving made him seek a psychiatric assessment.
Pegg said his wife has supported him and makes allowances for forgetfulness and a lack of concentration. ADHD involves inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, with genetics playing an important role; diagnosis is given when symptoms negatively affect daily life.