I’ve been following Dr. Alex George’s journey for a while now, and I was really moved by what he shared recently. He’s now being evaluated for autism, after already being diagnosed with ADHD and OCD. In his column for The Telegraph, he talked about how draining it’s been trying to fit in and feel ‘normal’ – it really resonated with me, and I admire his openness about everything he’s going through.
The 34-year-old, who previously appeared on Love Island, has struggled with severe anxiety since he was a child. He spent years thinking a typical job and social life would solve his problems, but he always felt like an outsider.
He received an ADHD diagnosis in September 2022, and a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in 2025.
The Welsh doctor recently revealed he’s being evaluated for autism. He emphasizes he doesn’t want a diagnosis just for the sake of having one, and isn’t following a trend. However, understanding why he’s faced lifelong challenges has been a positive outcome of the late diagnosis.
Okay, so you won’t BELIEVE this! He just shared that he’s getting assessed for autism too! It totally makes sense, though, because he explained it so well – it’s like, brains are just wired differently, right? That’s what neurodiversity is all about! And that’s why people often have things like ADHD, autism, or OCD all together – because it’s all connected! It’s just…amazing. I always knew he got it, and now this just confirms everything!
Okay, so I don’t need a name for what I have, and I definitely wasn’t just following a trend, but finally understanding why things have always been so hard for me? It’s been… amazing. Honestly, it’s brought me so much peace, and weirdly, it’s actually helped me thrive. It’s like everything finally clicks, you know?
Alex pointed out that many people still misunderstand ADHD. He explained that the name itself, ‘attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,’ can be misleading, as it suggests those with the condition are constantly unable to focus and are always overly active.
Alex strongly disagreed with that idea, explaining that the condition is better understood as a problem with how dopamine functions in the brain.
In retrospect, it’s clear there were early indicators. Children with ADHD often have trouble sleeping, and the word ‘sensitive’ frequently came up when describing me. I was easily overwhelmed by sensory input, and having a strict routine was incredibly important.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is diagnosed by observing a person’s behavior, according to ADHD UK.
ADHD is characterized by ongoing difficulties with paying attention and/or controlling impulsive behaviors and excessive activity, which can significantly impact daily life and growth.
Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE this! Apparently, when Alex was only eleven, he started getting these little facial tics, but nobody even noticed! Not even his parents! He only figured it out himself because his face actually hurt from making those movements so much. It’s just… heartbreaking to think about him dealing with that all alone for so long! I just feel so bad for him.
Alex now revealed that the tics are located in his hands, shoulders, and neck.
He admitted to trying Botox to reduce muscle tension, but his symptoms still flare up whenever he’s really stressed.
Alex mentioned that when he was growing up, he was either completely bored with school or totally focused on vehicles like cars, three-wheelers, and racing bikes.
He described how people with ADHD often have lower levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. This can lead them to seek out activities that boost it, and for him, that activity was racing motorbikes as a child.
Growing up, he went through phases – first typical teenage antics, then a focus on socializing and drinking. Later, as a doctor, he thrived on the fast-paced, intense environment of the emergency room.
In his column, Alex, the oldest of three brothers and sisters, shared memories of a childhood spent playing outside and revealed that he surprisingly found the sound of hairdryers soothing as a teenager.
He revealed he still relies on hairdryers for comfort, always bringing his BaByliss model when he travels because he gets anxious without it.
Alex shared that he’s been diagnosed with OCD and has always been prone to worry, constantly thinking about potential problems since he was a child.
He explained that while many people think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as involving visible actions like cleaning or checking, the core of the condition is actually internal. This includes obsessive thoughts, repetitive worrying (rumination), and compulsive behaviors.
I often see people who outwardly seem confident, but privately, they’re actually quite insecure. This manifests as a lot of overthinking – constantly replaying past interactions, worrying about whether they said the right thing, or if they might have accidentally offended someone. It’s a common habit of self-doubt that can really hold you back.
He explained that, personally, he’s found facing his fears—accepting that things might happen or not—to be the most effective approach. This means avoiding the urge to check, overthink, or seek reassurance, and simply allowing himself to feel uncomfortable.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition, as defined by the NHS, that causes people to have unwanted, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
OCD can affect men, women and children. People can start having symptoms as early as 6 years old.
Alex also shared that dealing with rejection is the most challenging aspect of having ADHD. He explained he’s always found social situations difficult, and as a child, birthday parties were particularly stressful.
He confessed that as a child, he craved acceptance, but actually going to social events often made him feel anxious and stressed.
He admitted that failure would be incredibly upsetting for him. When he didn’t get into medical school initially – after a lower grade on one subject – he was completely distraught.
If his close friend didn’t respond to a message within an hour, he’d immediately become anxious, assuming something was wrong, and would need to call to make sure everything was okay.
Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), as explained by the Cleveland Clinic, is intense emotional pain triggered by perceived failure or rejection.
This condition is often found in people with ADHD, and researchers believe it may be caused by variations in the way the brain is built.
These differences make it harder for your brain to manage feelings and reactions to rejection, causing them to feel much stronger.
Alex also shared that he felt really isolated and lonely, particularly after leaving the popular dating show Love Island. He admitted he was unprepared for becoming unexpectedly famous so quickly.
He explained that differences in how people process information – specifically when one partner is neurotypical and the other is neurodivergent – can create significant challenges in a relationship. Rejection sensitivity, in particular, can be very damaging, but understanding this dynamic makes it easier to navigate.
Alex explained that small changes to daily routines can significantly improve things for people, but only once their managers, teachers, or coworkers have a better understanding of their situation.
He also advised people with ADHD to avoid alcohol, explaining that it interferes with the strengths of their brain.
Alex shared that he’s been sober for three years now and is prioritizing his health by eating well, exercising regularly, and sticking to a consistent routine.
In 2024, Alex revealed how giving up alcohol transformed his life in ways he had never anticipated.
Alex shared his experience on YouTube, giving his followers an honest look at what it’s like to give up alcohol in a society where drinking is common.
The doctor, who first became well-known on the reality show Love Island in 2018, shared how stopping drinking has unexpectedly impacted his sleep and social life, and how it’s helped him grow as a person.
Alex was surprised to find that the hardest part of giving up alcohol was trouble sleeping.
He clarified that while alcohol is processed relatively quickly by the body, the physical effects can take many months to fully recover from.
Alcohol can have a lasting impact on your brain. It actually damages and destroys brain cells, leading to a loss of brain tissue.
Drinking regularly over time can lead to many problems. When someone stops drinking, their brain needs time to adjust to functioning without alcohol.
The TV personality shared that it took around eight weeks for his sleep to return to normal. During that time, his brain was essentially rewiring itself, creating new connections.
Once he fell into a deep, restful sleep, he said it completely transformed his experience and offered significant benefits.
He explained that he’s been falling asleep much more easily lately, and is enjoying a deeper, more refreshing sleep. He described it as a significant improvement to his well-being.
Another revelation was how little other people ‘cared’ about his decision to quit drinking.
He pointed out that people generally aren’t interested in your problems. Someone might briefly offer a polite gesture like asking if you want a drink, but once you’ve responded to a few basic questions, they quickly lose interest.
‘And even if they do care, they forget because they’re probably drinking.’
Even though Dr. Alex has stopped drinking, he still likes going to pubs and has simply changed how he does things.
He shared that he likes to go out earlier in the evening, before people get too drunk, and usually leaves before things get out of hand.
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2026-01-07 15:57