Veteran actor Sir Anthony Hopkins has sparked significant debate and controversy among mental health charities following his recent remarks dismissing conditions such as ADHD, OCD, and Asperger's Syndrome as "nonsense." Speaking to the Sunday Times, the Oscar winner expressed a cynical view, stating, "Well, I guess I'm cynical because it's all nonsense, it's all rubbish; ADHD, OCD, Asperger's, blah, blah, blah. Oh God, it's called living, it's just being a human being, full of tangled webs and mysteries and stuff that's in us, full of warts and grime and craziness, it’s the human condition. All these labels, I mean, who cares? But now it's fashion." This perspective comes despite Hopkins previously suggesting he might be neurodivergent and openly discussing his personal struggles with alcoholism and unexplained bouts of anger.

Hopkins' comments have drawn sharp criticism from those who live with and support individuals with these conditions. Henry Shelford, CEO and co-founder of the charity ADHD, strongly countered the actor's viewpoint. Shelford highlighted the arduous process of obtaining a diagnosis, which requires medical specialists and often involves NHS waiting times measured in years or even decades. He emphasized that while people with ADHD can achieve remarkable success, the reality of living with the condition is profoundly challenging. Shelford cited sobering statistics, revealing that one in four women with ADHD and one in 10 men with ADHD will at some point attempt to take their own life. Furthermore, he noted a significant reduction in overall life expectancy: nine years lower for women with ADHD and seven years lower for men. Shelford concluded by stating that such comments from public figures make the struggles of those grappling with these conditions even harder.

The actor's wife, Stella Arroyave, once suggested he might have Asperger's Syndrome. However, the term "Asperger's Syndrome" is now considered outdated and is classified under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as it is difficult to differentiate from other forms of autism. The term has also fallen out of use due to the controversial historical association with Hans Asperger, after whom it was named, and his ties to the Nazi regime. Hopkins has been encouraged to see a psychiatrist in the past due to his anger issues and a feeling of "putting on a mask every morning," yet he continues to express skepticism about the concept of neurodiversity.

Beyond his views on neurodiversity, Hopkins has been transparent about his past battle with alcoholism. He recalled a pivotal moment when he drove under the influence in California and could not remember the incident, leading him to realize he needed help. Shortly thereafter, he sought assistance, entering a 12-step program in Los Angeles. Last December, Hopkins celebrated 50 years of sobriety in a video shared on social media, where he encouraged his 5.3 million followers, stating that support is readily available for anyone facing similar struggles. He shared, "If you do have a problem - having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine - but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help. It's not a terrible deal - it's a condition if you're allergic to alcohol, get some help, there's plenty of help around. One thing I didn't realize, that I was not unique. There are thousands of people around like me - anyway, I got sober and, it sounds a dull word, but I've had a wonderful life. They still employ me, they still give me jobs. I'm going to be 87 in two days now." His journey to recovery stands as a testament to overcoming personal challenges, even as his perspectives on mental health conditions continue to ignite discussion.