Rebecca Gibney Opens Up About Recent ADHD and Autism Diagnosis
Acclaimed Australian actress Rebecca Gibney, best known for her role in Packed To The Rafters, has publicly shared her recent diagnosis of both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism. The 61-year-old star revealed the news in a candid interview, admitting that coming to terms with the diagnoses has been an emotional and challenging journey.
Gibney described the past few months as a period of significant emotional upheaval, confessing to shedding more tears than she has in a long time. “I was like, ‘No, I’ve got all that stuff sorted’,” she remarked, reflecting on her previous belief that she had navigated and overcome her personal struggles.
The journey to her diagnosis began when Gibney sought the help of a psychologist following difficulties she experienced after participating in Dancing With The Stars earlier this year.
“I’m still coming to terms with it because it’s answered a lot of questions from my past – my panic attacks, my years of masking, which started obviously at a very early age,” Gibney confessed. Masking, she explained, is a behaviour where individuals with ADHD or autism conceal their natural tendencies and traits to better blend in with their peers.
Gibney revealed that while the diagnosis has provided a framework for understanding long-standing issues like shyness, anxiety, and panic attacks, it has also brought about feelings of grief and disappointment. “There’s that slight mourning,” she shared. “Gosh, if I’d known this 40, 50 years ago, would I have gone through all the stuff that I went through? Maybe it would have made my high school years easier because, you know, I did have a lot of mental health struggles.”
Gibney joins a growing number of well-known Australians who have received ADHD diagnoses later in life. This trend highlights a broader societal shift in understanding and identifying neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Mia Freeman: Co-founder of Mamamia, received her ADHD diagnosis at the age of 49.
- Sigrid Thornton: The esteemed actress discovered she had ADHD at 65.
- Em Rusciano: Media personality and performer was diagnosed with both ADHD and autism at 43.
- Clementine Ford: Feminist author found out she had ADHD at 41.
These public revelations underscore the fact that neurodivergent individuals can lead successful and fulfilling lives, often with significant achievements, while navigating these conditions.
Last year, Gibney spoke openly about her personal battles, detailing a period of debilitating panic attacks and a tendency towards people-pleasing, which she described as stemming from a “not normal” brain. She elaborated on the internal experience, saying, “I’ve got too many drop-down tabs going in my head. I can hyperfocus on one thing and then I get panicked because I’ve let the other thing slide.” She also recounted suffering from panic attacks from her mid-teens until her thirties, expressing a wish for a “more normal” brain.
Despite a career that has spanned four decades, Gibney is now, through dedicated inner work, learning to release perfectionist tendencies and to prioritise her own wellbeing. She admitted to a lifelong inclination towards people-pleasing, a trait she believes she inherited. However, she is becoming more adept at setting boundaries. As her husband, Richard, aptly puts it, she’s “not using up my happy pills on people that don’t deserve it anymore.”
Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. These behaviours can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning.
Key Characteristics of ADHD:
- Inattentiveness: Difficulty sustaining attention, being easily distracted, forgetfulness, and challenges with organisation.
- Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting, restlessness, inability to stay seated, and constant talking.
- Impulsiveness: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting their turn.
Common Symptoms:
- Constant fidgeting or squirming.
- Poor concentration and easily distracted.
- Excessive movement or talking.
- Acting without thinking through consequences.
- Little or no sense of danger.
- Making careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.
- Frequent forgetfulness.
- Difficulty organising tasks and activities.
- Inability to listen or carry out instructions.
While symptoms typically emerge in early childhood and become more apparent as a child grows, ADHD can affect individuals of all ages. Most diagnoses occur between the ages of six and 12, but adult diagnoses are increasingly common, although research into adult ADHD is still developing.
Potential Causes and Risk Factors:
The precise cause of ADHD remains unclear, but research suggests a combination of genetic factors influencing brain function and structure plays a significant role. Certain factors may increase the risk of developing ADHD, including:
- Premature birth.
- Low birth weight.
- Brain damage or injury.
- Exposure to environmental risks during pregnancy.
ADHD is also frequently co-occurring with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette’s syndrome, and epilepsy.
Management and Treatment:
Currently, there is no cure for ADHD. However, a comprehensive approach involving a combination of medication and therapy is generally recommended to manage symptoms and improve daily quality of life. This can include:
- Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help manage core ADHD symptoms.
- Therapy: Behavioural therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and parent training can equip individuals and their families with coping strategies.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Creating structured environments, developing organisational skills, and promoting healthy habits can also be beneficial.
