Comedian Fiona O'Loughlin has revealed she is being treated for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which has led her to cancel three shows in Queensland this week.
O'Loughlin, 57, who has been open in the past about her battle with alcoholism said: "My audience are a special breed and I understand that a cancelled show may bring fear that my alcoholism has reared its ugly head.
"Let me say, that is not the case. I have recently had a diagnosis of Adult ADHD which has gone undetected, all of my life.
"It has been daunting to discover so late in my life that nearly everything I perceived about myself to be true must now be overhauled.
O'Loughlin said she began treatment at a clinic in Adelaide in mid January. However, the medication was a "trial and error situation" and she made the mistake of not giving herself enough time to be monitored correctly.
"Mid treatment I honoured my commitment to perform at the Festival Theatre," she said. "Unfortunately, on reflection, this was a poor decision.
"To everyone who attended the premiere of my new show ‘The Unreliable Witness’ I know we all shared some special moments in that beautiful Playhouse Theatre. However, we also shared some heart stopping moments.
"My doctor shook his head in a kindly ‘I told you so’ when I fronted him a couple of days after the show, to discuss what went on. I relived with him the costume change disaster, my very extended psychoanalysis of our Nic (Nicole Kidman) and being harpooned by my own footwear centre stage. Not to mention, my verbal onslaught regarding addiction.
While she was happy knowing she feels better than ever, O'Loughlin said: "I have to put my health first at this crucial time."
As I write this, I am happy knowing, I feel better than ever.
She concluded: "My new show is ready to go and I am confident that I will deliver my best work at the Adelaide Fringe on the 19th and 20th of this month."
Adult ADHD is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. It can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and alcohol and substance abuse.
Fellow Australian comedians Hannah Gadsby and Celeste Barber have also been diagnosed with ADHD.
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