FEDERAL MP Andrew Laming has confirmed he has an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Mr Laming said a medical specialist urged him to consult an ADHD specialist in late March and he was diagnosed with ADHD and hyperactivity.
"My treatment began the following day. I took the tablet and I just went to bed... I could switch off. The ideas were still there, but they were polite," he said.
Two weeks ago, the Liberal National Party took faction to make sure the veteran MP could not recontest his Bowman seat.
It followed a horror month that saw Mr Laming forced to apologise in Parliament after two female constituents accused him of abusing them online.
He was also accused of taking a photograph of a woman bending over in her workplace without her consent. Police investigated but found there were no grounds for action to be taken.
Mr Laming said it was a relief to be diagnosed as he was always in a constant state of hyper energy.
"It took its toll on my family life, I battled to focus, I was jumping between issues of priority.
"I was on social media 12-15 hours a day.
"I always wanted the last word and I had an impulsive need to respond to every issue... it was that need for immediacy... the surge of adrenaline.
"I obviously couldn't play a board game with my girls as I thought I had to always be available to people...
"The more slack my family gave me, the more I took," he said.
Mr Laming said he would commit to attend multiple events at night, meeting and greeting people and trying to have the perfect image on Facebook.
"But by the time I got home, I couldn't put names to faces," he said.
"I was battling my own inner tension... and it's not a war anymore, I've actually surrendered," he said.
Despite being a medical doctor Mr Laming said he did not suspect he had ADHD.
"People hinted to me, but I would take it as a compliment or say I was unique. I thought people outgrow the disorder," he said.
Mr Laming said he had two male relatives who also had ADHD.
"I will not be drawing any parallels between my health and recent media attacks.
"This diagnosis is not a free pass for anything I've done in the past," he said.
When asked if he would be returning to social media, Mr Laming said he had lost the need to be online 15 hours a day.
"I won't walk away from social media, but there is no need for me to be on the frontlines, engaging with every single person who wants to have a crack... It is not physically possible."
He confirmed he will re-start community work from May 1 and return to Parliament for budget week on May 10.
He said he would not be contesting the next election but would remain a registered opthamologist and do consultation for the government.
"My job is to diligently serve Redlands in federal Parliament for the remainder of the term.
"In addition, I will devote my energy to raising awareness of undiagnosed ADHD which persists in around one per cent of adults," he said.
ADHD is a mental health disorder that can cause above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD may also have trouble focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time. Both adults and children can have the disorder.
