Former Corrie actress Helen Flanagan reveals psychosis episode due to ADHD medication reaction

Former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan has revealed she experienced an episode of psychosis after having a ‘bad reaction’ to ADHD medication.

Flanagan shared that she had been struggling with her mental health after splitting from her ex-partner 18 months ago.

She said she had been really struggling with her mental health in December and January.

She also had to pull out of a theatre tour where she was supposed to play the role of Miss Scarlett in Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter.

The 33-year-old who is a single mother to three children – Matilda, seven, Delilah, five, and Charlie, two, who she shares with Scott Sinclair – is best known for playing Rosie Webster in Coronation Street.

She split from footballer Sinclair in October 2022.

In a post on Instagram, after ‘having a few months off’ from social media, Flanagan wrote: “Had a few months off from social but I’m back now xxx. So basically I really struggled mental health wise December/ January xxx.

“I felt really not great in my head over Christmas and I didn’t really feel that much different when I took the kids away for new year xxx 

“I had a lot of difficult things going on things I just can’t talk about on Instagram x.”

Flanagan continued: “I felt terrible, so I was due my theatre tour which I was excited about so when I came back from holiday I thought it was best for me to take some medication so I’d feel better and be able to cope better with being a working single mum of three and I was emotionally struggling with the break up from the father of my kids but I had a really bad reaction though to the medication ( an ADHD medication) and it sent me into a psychosis for a few days which I didn’t know I was in x.

“I just love my kids so much x this bad reaction though was a few days before rehearsals were starting and sadly I just wasn’t mentally well enough to do it xxx.

“I was heartbroken as I’ve always been professional as an actress but i needed to stay at home and feel better for me and my kids, with the help of my amazing parents xxx.”

The actress and model added: “I’ve always been honest on here and I feel in a really good happy place now xxx.

“therapy can be amazing and I feel like I’ve worked on myself with things that were quite tough to me but I feel lighter now anyway sending love and please be kind.”

In the comments section, Girls Aloud member Nadine Coyle wrote: “Sending loads of love gorgeous girl!!! Xxx.” Carol Vorderman also posted: “Sending huge love my little meerkat angel.” And former Made In Chelsea star Ashley James commented: “I love you. nice to see you back.” 

About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), NHS England says: “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people’s behaviour. 

“People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school.

“Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it’s diagnosed later in childhood.”