Coronation Street star shares rare health update with fans after ‘two years of waiting’ for diagnosis
FORMER Coronation Street star Ryan Clayton has shared a huge health update with fans after being left waiting for a diagnosis for 'two years'.
Ryan, famed for his role as David Platt's rapist Josh Tucker, opened up to fans as he confirmed he had joined "club ADHD".
The 30 year old penned a lengthy message to his fans on Instagram as he got candid about finally getting the diagnosis and explaining how his Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affected him.
Writing online, the Waterloo Road star said: "Well, after 2 [and a] half years of realising you don’t ‘grow out’ of ADHD, just because you’re not hyperactive in the way you were as a kid, and 29 years later, I’m an official member of club ADHD."
Ryan admitted he was left feeling 'relieved' as he got clarity from finally getting the diagnosis as he expressed how important it was for it to be recognised and how it was more than just "being fidgety".
He went onto add: "I ain’t here giving it a pity post, look I have a fully abled body, I’m fortunate enough to work in a creative environment right now, and I am of course aware ADHD isn’t as extreme as some of the other neurodivergent conditions but I can tell you it’s lot more than being fidgety and it shouldn’t be underestimated either, it can be a real f***er for you up there at times too.
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"Particularly when you don’t know!"
He went onto pen that the formal diagnosis had allowed him to find "acceptance" and be at peace with the condition and felt he was able to be more "open" about the way he felt without fear of judgement.
Ryan said: "As brilliant as it is to have that official diagnoses, get that clarity and now be in a position where I feel I can openly talk about it without having the stigma of being ‘another self diagnosed ADHD’er’ because “everyone’s got it now”, in the 2 years it took to get diagnosed, despite initial confusions and frustrations, I’ve had an acceptance and a much better understanding for my mind works for sometime now.
"So for anyone on that journey, whether you’re just realising or on the waiting list, or you’re a friend, partner or family member trying to understand it (and they won’t stop going on about it) I don’t believe that anyone is worse off for knowing (undiagnosed or diagnosed)"
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ADHD is thought to affect around 1 in 50 adults in the UK.
The disorder, which is often diagnosed in childhood, often sparks symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
The ADHD Foundation reveals that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common childhood conditions.
While symptoms are typically noticed during childhood, they can continue through into adult life.
Ryan can currently be seen on screen in BBC school-based drama Waterloo Road.
He joined the cast when the hit was rebooted last year and works alongside co-stars Kym Marsh and Adam Thomas.