Sam Thompson opens up about his ADHD diagnosis ahead of E4 documentary
Sam has been diagnosed with ADHD
Last updated 4th May 2023
Former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson has opened up about his ADHD diagnosis. The 30-year-old Hits Radio presenter appeared on ITV's Lorraine on 4th May, where he discussed his diagnosis as well his upcoming E4 documentary, Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD?
Talking about his experience of living with ADHD, Sam, who is in a relationship with Love Island star Zara McDermott, said: "It's one of those things that I've been told from a very young age to then sort of my early twenties. Everyone kept coming up to me like: 'You've got ADHD, I'm convinced you've got ADHD.'
"At the time, because I was so young, I was just like: 'I don't care.' Then as I got older, especially as I hit 30, I just started really caring about finding out more about myself and seeing if my life could be any better. I want to be the adult that I see everyone else being."
Sam went on to discuss the impact that ADHD has on his daily life. He explained: "One of the big things about getting a diagnosis for me was it was a bit of a weight off the shoulders because there are times when Zara - who is the best person, she's just so relaxed - will never have a go at me, but when she's talking to me, I can't focus on her.
"I feel really selfish and very self-centred, I ask myself 'why do you not seem to care about what other people are saying?' And I used to really beat myself up about it - why can't you just listen to her speak about something that's really important to her, the way she listens to you.
"It was quite nice to know there's a reason for that. But that's not to say I hide behind it either, because I don't think that's the right thing to do. Now I'm aware of it though, it's a lot easier to pinpoint what you're doing and then try and change it."
Sam then went on to explain the things he had done to try and help manage his ADHD. He said: "I've had a lot of therapy, I'm still going and I tried the medication but it wasn't for me.
"The medication saves lives, but for me, I just didn't feel right about it. I do quite a lot of stuff and I panicked when I was taking the pills."
Lorraine went on to praise Sam for his openness, saying: "The reaction you'll get from this will be extraordinary, and you'll really help people. You've already changed some lives."
You can watch Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD? on E4 on Monday 8th May at 8pm.
How to listen to Sam Thompson:
You can listen to Sam's show Hits UK on Hits Radio from 7pm on Monday to Thursday.
Take a look at some of the TV shows Sam has appeared on:
Made In Chelsea
Sam made his debut on E4 reality show in 2013, acting as Jamie Laing's intern at the time. Sam was later given more air time in the show and went on to become one of the most popular stars, appearing in over 160 episodes to date.
Despite briefly leaving the show in 2018, Sam returned to the cast just one year later.
Celebrity Big Brother
Sam was a fan favourite when he appeared on the 20th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2013.
Sam made it all the way to the final, finishing in third place behind Amelia Lily and eventual winner Sarah Harding.
Celebs Go Dating
Sam has appeared on E4 reality show Celebs Go Dating not once, not twice, but THREE times, in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Luckily, Sam managed to make up with his girlfriend Zara McDermott, so let's hope he won't be making any further appearance on the show to find love.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins
Sam was put through his paces by Ant Middleton and co in 2019, when he signed up for gruelling show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in order to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer.
Celebrity Coach Trip
Sam joined his friend James Dunmore to appear on Celebrity Coach Trip in 2019 for the special Road to Benidorm series.
Unfortunately, the pair were the first to be eliminated.
The Celebrity Circle
Sam took part in the celeb version of Channel 4 show The Circle in 2021, alongside his best mate, TOWIE star Pete Wicks.
The lads tried to catfish their fellow contestants into thinking they were actual Countdown presenter Rachel Riley.
Winter Love Island
Sam is hosting Love Island's official podcast, Love Island: The Morning After alongside former contestant Indiyah Pollock. He said of joining the show: "It feels like I'm with my family and we're all in it together and I really like it. We're all massive fans of the show and it's really, really nice." Sam will also appear as a regular panellist on Love Island: Aftersun.
Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD?
In a documentary which aired on E4 in 2023, we followed Sam as he made the decision to get tested for ADHD, and explored what a possible diagnosis might mean for him. For years, his girlfriend Zara, as well as friends and family, told him he exhibits signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with Sam finally deciding to get tested as he approached his 30th birthday.
The documentary saw a rawer side of Sam, as his behaviour is placed 'under a microscope'. With him widely known for his larger-than-life and creative personality, we see him question whether medication could change the persona he's built his career on.
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
In November 2023 it was announced that Sam Thompson would be entering the jungle for the 2023 series of I'm A Celebrity along with 11 other celebrities. Sam WON the series, going up against boxing legend Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage in the final and winning the majority of votes to become the latest winner of the show.
Loose Women & Men
Sam made his debut on the Loose Women & Men panel on 16th February 2024, appearing alongside Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe, and Loose Women Kaye Adams and Nadia Sawalha.
In addition to discussing the hottest topics of the day, Sam and Nadia will also open up about their experiences of living with ADHD.
Inside Out 2
Sam voiced a character in the UK version of popular Pixar film Inside Out 2! The film is a sequel to the 2015 animated flick, and following its release on 14th June 2024, was pegged the biggest movie of the year! Not only that, but it was announced in July of that year that it had become the highest-grossing animated film of all time GLOBALLY. Sam voiced Security Man Sam - a "character who finds himself on a chase with everyone's favourite emotions."
Of joining the cast, Sam said: "Having watched Pixar films since I was a kid, it's a dream come true to join the voice cast of Inside Out 2. The film nods to the rollercoaster of emotions growing up and what a wild ride your teenage years can be. I for one can't wait to see my family's reaction to hearing my voice on the big screen." Following the release, Sam spoke of how he was a fan of the original film, saying that taking part was a "no brainer", continuing: "It's such a bucket list thing, to be able to go in and do something that all of these amazing people (have done)".
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