Additional Coverage:
- Ellen DeGeneres reveals 3 health diagnoses after ‘excruciating pain’: ‘I could disintegrate in the shower’ (foxnews.com)
In her final Netflix special, Ellen DeGeneres revealed that she has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention deficit disorder (ADHD).
Osteoporosis, a bone disease that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures, affects nearly 20% of women over 50. DeGeneres joked that she could "disintegrate in the shower" due to her condition.
DeGeneres’ therapist diagnosed her with OCD after she sought help to cope with criticism she faced. OCD involves uncontrollable thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Her father also exhibited symptoms of OCD, such as checking door handles and appliances multiple times.
In addition, DeGeneres has ADHD, which affects attention and focus. She admitted to having difficulty concentrating and staying on task.
Despite her health challenges, DeGeneres believes she is well-adjusted due to her unique combination of OCD and ADHD. Her OCD tendencies lead her to obsess over things, while her ADHD prevents her from staying focused on them for long, ultimately resulting in a state of "balance."
In her special, DeGeneres expressed her decision to stop caring so much about what others think. She emphasized that perspective gained with age allows her to prioritize her mental health and choose to be remembered as someone beloved rather than mean.