Frankie Bridge reveals health diagnosis
Frankie Bridge has revealed she’s been diagnosed with ADHD after her Loose Women co-star Denise Welch spotted the symptoms and urged her to get tested.
The 37-year-old has previously been open about her battle with depression and anxiety and now she believes she’s found the “last missing piece” with her attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis.
Speaking on her latest YouTube vlog, the former Saturdays star told her viewers: “I found out today that I’ve got ADHD.
“Denise was like, ‘I got diagnosed with ADHD and it’s completely changed my life – my depression and my anxiety is so much better’.
“She was like, ‘let me put you in touch with [a specialist]. You can just see’. I was a bit like, ‘yeah, I mean, I could be’.”
The mum-of-two continued: “I’ve been battling with [the diagnosis] all day. Part of me is like, what a relief, because it does make sense to me.
“When I went on the call, I was not sure if this was going to really resonate with me. But by the end of it, I was like, ‘f***, it really does’.
“It’s kind of reassuring. Not that it makes excuses for it, but I can hopefully try and feel less guilt because I’m such a perfectionist, and all that is part of it.”
According to the NHS, those with ADHD are significantly more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
ADHD itself can cause emotional dysregulation, making individuals more prone to intense emotions and making it harder to soothe themselves when feeling down or worried.
“Hopefully this is the last missing piece that is going to help.
“They do say with a lot of women, we’re not diagnosed ’til we’re a lot older, and by then, you’ve already dealt with depression and anxiety for a really long time.”
Her fans flocked to the comments section on YouTube to commend her on her bravery as some related to her diagnosis.
One penned: “I recently got diagnosed with adhd too and so much makes sense now.”
Denise was diagnosed with ADHD herself in January 2023 after undergoing a series of intense tests.
The most common signs of adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) include chronic disorganization, trouble focusing on tasks, poor time management, and inner restlessness.
If you think you may have ADHD or your symptoms are affecting your studies, work or relationships, make an appointment with a GP to find out what support is available.
