Anthony Hopkins brands ADHD and Asperger's 'nonsense' as charity blasts star
Sir Anthony Hopkins have said he does not believe in neurodiversity, saying ADHD, OCD, and Asperger's are 'all rubbish'.
Sir Anthony Hopkins has sparked controversy among mental health charities after describing ADHD, OCD and Asperger's as "nonsense" conditions.
The actor, who previously suggested he might be neurodivergent, has also been open about his struggles with alcoholism, admitting he has experienced unexplained bouts of anger that he could never fully understand.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, the Oscar winner said: "Well, I guess I'm cynical because it's all nonsense, it's all rubbish; ADHD, OCD, Asperger's, blah, blah, blah.
"Oh God, it's called living, it's just being a human being, full of tangled webs and mysteries and stuff that's in us, full of warts and grime and craziness, it’s the human condition. All these labels, I mean, who cares? But now it's fashion."
However, Hopkins risks upsetting many who live with these conditions. Henry Shelford, CEO and co-founder of ADHD said: "It is easy for those that have found their perfect spot, where their individuality and difference helps them succeed, to forget how hard it is for those that haven't.
"A diagnosis of ADHD or Autism isn't like a coat bought off a fast-fashion rack. Assessments require medical specialists and NHS waits are usually measured in years or even decades.
"We know people with ADHD can have amazing success. But we also know hard having ADHD is. In particular from the statistics on suicide that show one in four women with ADHD and one in 10 men with ADHD will at some point try to take their own life."
Speaking to the Mirror, he continued: "Overall life expectancy is nine years lower for a woman with ADHD and seven years lower for a man with ADHD. Having ADHD can be extraordinarily hard and comments like this makes it harder for those struggling the most."
Hopkins revealed that his third wife, Stella Arroyave, once suggested he might have Asperger's Syndrome, a term which is now considered outdated.
Today, Asperger's is classified under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as it is difficult to differentiate from other forms of autism. The term has also fallen out of use due to the controversial history of Hans Asperger, after whom it was originally named, including his ties to the Nazi regime.
Hopkins said he has been encouraged to see a psychiatrist due to his anger issues and saying he felt like he was "putting on a mask every morning." Nevertheless, he has continued to express that he does not believe in neurodiversity.
The actor has been open about his struggle with alcohol in the past, saying he realised he needed help after he drove while under the influence of alcohol in California, and not being able to remember it.
Shortly afterward, he ran into his former agent at an event and admitted he needed help, later entering a 12-step programme in Los Angeles.
Last December, Hopkins celebrated 50 years of sobriety in a video shared on social media, telling his 5.3 million followers that support is available for anyone who needs it.
He stated: "If you do have a problem - having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine - but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help.
"It's not a terrible deal - it's a condition if you're allergic to alcohol, get some help, there's plenty of help around. One thing I didn't realize, that I was not unique. There are thousands of people around like me - anyway, I got sober and, it sounds a dull word, but I've had a wonderful life.
"They still employ me, they still give me jobs. I'm going to be 87 in two days now." The actor captioned the clip: "One day at a time. 49 years. Life is in session."