Ellen DeGeneres has opened up about her recent triple diagnosis of osteoporosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The comedian shared her experiences with these conditions during her final Netflix special, "For Your Consideration."
Ellen DeGeneres has revealed that she has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The comedian shared her experiences with these conditions during her final Netflix special, "For Your Consideration."
DeGeneres began by discussing her osteoporosis diagnosis, which she learned about after taking a bone density test. She said, "I don't even know how I'm standing up right now. I'm like a human sandcastle. I could disintegrate in the shower."
Ellen DeGeneres' Health Struggles: Osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the structure and strength of bone changes. The disease can "lead to a decrease in bone strength that can increase the risk of broken bones, per the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Nearly 20% of women aged 50 and over have osteoporosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ellen DeGeneres' Health Struggles: Osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD
DeGeneres also revealed that she has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She said she entered therapy to deal with the "hatred" that was coming at her following toxic workplace accusations against her daytime talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
During therapy, DeGeneres' therapist diagnosed her with OCD. She said, "I'm like a human sandcastle. I could disintegrate in the shower."
Ellen DeGeneres' Health Struggles: Osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD
OCD is a "long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both," per the National Institute of Mental Health.
DeGeneres said that after her therapy session, she asked her wife Portia de Rossi if she thought that DeGeneres might have OCD. DeGeneres recalled, "And she said, ‘Yes, you do,’"
Ellen DeGeneres' Health Struggles: Osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD
In addition, DeGeneres shared that she has attention deficit disorder (ADD), which is now referred to as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). ADHD is a "developmental disorder marked by persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development," per the National Institute of Mental Health.
DeGeneres said, "My ADD makes it really hard to sit down and focus on anything at all."
Ellen DeGeneres' Health Struggles: Osteoporosis, OCD, and ADHD
DeGeneres admitted that in the past, she "has cared far too much what other people think of me." However, she said that with time, she has gained perspective. "Caring what people think to a degree is healthy, but not if it affects your mental health," she said.
DeGeneres ended her special by thanking her audience and saying that she chooses to be remembered as someone who is "beloved."
