Waterloo Road actress Scarlett Thomas, 17, has revealed she was diagnosed with ADHD three years ago, calling on her family to "chill out" after her father Ryan Thomas shared his own struggles with the condition.
The teenager, whose mother is Coronation Street actress Tina O'Brien, shared details of her diagnosis in a video posted to her Snapchat account. Scarlett explained that she was first diagnosed while in year nine at school, but questioned the label placed upon her personality.
Speaking directly to her followers, Scarlett dismissed the diagnosis, saying: "The word ADHD, get it away and put it in the bin because what do you mean somebody talks too much?"
She added: "What do you mean somebody has a different personality and suddenly they've got a disorder. I don't get it. I was diagnosed in year nine, it's literally just a personality. It doesn't make sense to me. Anyway, that's my take on that. I say it because my uncle Adam talks about it and he needs to chill out."
Family Podcast Discussions
Scarlett's comments come after her father, former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas, and her uncles Adam and Scott Thomas discussed the condition at length on their show, At Home With The Thomas Bro's podcast. Adam Thomas had previously spoken about his own experience with ADHD, while Ryan revealed in March that he had received a diagnosis himself.
Opening up on the podcast, Ryan admitted that he had initially struggled to accept the diagnosis. "ADHD for me has been a big problem and I've not actually spoke about it yet because If I'm really honest, I was quite embarrassed that I had ADHD," he said. "It felt like I had a condition and growing up, as kids, ADHD, I don't feel like, was ever a thing - or it was loosely spoke about."
Ryan decided to seek an official assessment after his fiancée, Lucy Mecklenburgh, pointed out that he repeatedly misplaced items and had difficulty concentrating. Following the evaluation, doctors confirmed the diagnosis and prescribed medication.
Describing his treatment journey, Ryan explained: "After the whole process, I was diagnosed - and I'm on medication. And friends that are on the medication have said it changes your life instantly, like the limitless pill. And it's been quite disheartening for me because I'm on the medication every day."
He continued: "I've been on it for the last three, four weeks. And I still feel overwhelmed. I still misplace things. There is a part of me that I recognise - that I can sit down and write something on a piece of paper, which is very rare that that happens with me."
GCSE Examination Controversy
The discussion surrounding Scarlett's diagnosis follows public debate over her education. Ryan recently defended his decision to allow his 17-year-old daughter to skip sitting her GCSE examinations.
Scarlett, who made her acting debut in the BBC drama Waterloo Road in 2023, revealed in a TikTok video that she had not taken the nationwide secondary school assessments. Posting on results day, her video caption read: "I'm watching everyone get there [sic] GCSE results today wondering if I could've had good results but I will forever wonder."
The post sparked widespread debate online, with several social media users complaining that it was "unacceptable" for the teenager to forgo formal exams and schooling to concentrate on her acting career. Under one online post criticising the parents' choice, Ryan hit back in the comments section, asking: "Is it even anyone's business or concern though?"
Although the vast majority of students in England take GCSE examinations at age 16, sitting the assessments is not a legal requirement under the Education Act 1996. Under English educational law, young people can choose alternative training routes or leave formal schooling upon reaching the age of 16.
Acting Career and Record Deal
Scarlett has made clear her ambition to follow her parents into show business, pursuing a career in acting and singing. Her first major television role came in 2023 when she appeared in Waterloo Road, a show that previously helped establish her uncle Adam Thomas as a household name.
Alongside her acting work, Scarlett has also developed her musical talents. In January, her father announced that she had signed a professional record deal, describing the milestone as "one of the best days of his life."
Understanding ADHD Symptoms and Treatment
According to NHS Choices, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition characterized by symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Figures indicate that the condition affects roughly five per cent of children in the United States. In the United Kingdom, it affects approximately 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls.
Symptoms usually manifest early in childhood and tend to become more noticeable as children mature. According to NHS guidance, common behavioural signs include:
- Constant fidgeting and excessive movement or talking
- Poor concentration and forgetfulness
- Acting without thinking and an inability to deal with stress
- Showing little or no sense of danger
- Making careless mistakes and experiencing mood swings
- Difficulty organising tasks and continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
- Inability to listen to or carry out instructions
The NHS notes that most diagnoses occur in children aged between six and 12 years old. While adults can also live with the condition, less research is currently available regarding adult ADHD.
The exact causes of ADHD remain uncertain, though experts believe genetic mutations affecting brain structure and function play a role. Factors that increase risk include premature birth, epilepsy, or brain damage. The condition is also frequently associated with anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette's syndrome, and epilepsy.
There is currently no cure for ADHD. However, NHS Choices states that a combination of prescribed medication and therapeutic intervention is typically recommended to manage symptoms and assist with day-to-day life.
