There's something refreshing about watching celebrities strip away the glamour and share their real struggles.
At 51, Robbie Williams has disclosed that he experiences Tourette's syndrome, though his symptoms manifest internally rather than through visible tics.
During an appearance on the podcast I'm ADHD! No You're Not, hosted by Paul Whitehouse and Dr Mine Conkbayir, the former Take That star made this revelation for the first time, adding another layer to his ongoing mental health journey.
What makes Williams' case unique
Williams explained these intrusive thoughts by saying: 'They are intrusive thoughts that happen. I was just walking down the road the other day, and I realised that these intrusive thoughts are inside Tourette's. It just doesn't come out.'
'I've just realised that I have Tourette's, but they don't come out. They are intrusive thoughts that happen'
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by rapid, repetitive and involuntary muscle movements or sounds (tics), according to the Mayo Clinic. What makes Williams' experience particularly interesting is that his involuntary tics aren't external but internal.
For someone who's spent decades performing in front of massive crowds, this internal struggle takes on extra poignancy. Williams described how these internal manifestations prove particularly challenging during performances, saying even a stadium full of people professing their love cannot drown out whatever is happening inside him.
Understanding Tourette's syndrome
Tourette's syndrome affects people differently—some experience visible tics like movements or sounds, while others, like Williams, experience internal symptoms.
The condition often appears alongside other conditions like ADHD and anxiety disorders.
There's no cure, but various treatments can help manage symptoms.
A pattern of diagnoses and seeking answers
This isn't Williams' first mental health diagnosis. The father-of-four has been diagnosed with ADHD three times, with the first diagnosis occurring around 2006 when he recognised symptoms online.
His relationship with ADHD medication became complicated: 'I started to hear that you could get some medicine that behaved a bit like speed, right? Adderall... There was a relief that I'd got it officially diagnosed, but then also there was more a relief that I was getting 200 of these tablets.'
The singer was brutally honest about his medication abuse, admitting he 'quickly went from taking the pills to crushing them and snorting them' because, as he put it, 'you're always looking for the cure.'
The autism question and feeling uncomfortable in his own skin
Williams recently completed an online autism assessment, which indicated he possesses autistic traits despite not meeting full diagnostic criteria. 'It turns out I'm not [autistic], but I've got autistic traits. And it's around, social stuff, it's about interaction,' he explained.
His description of daily life is particularly revealing: 'When I'm in bed, that's my comfort zone. Anywhere outside of that bed is my discomfort zone. It's getting better. It was awful, horrendous through my 20s, bad through my 30s, my 40s started to get better and I'm on an upward curve, but I'm still uncomfortable in my skin.'
The courage to keep performing
Despite his fears, Williams continues to tour and perform. He admitted: 'I have a very complicated relationship with touring and performing live. People say, 'Oh, you going on tour? You must be really, really excited.' Not really. I'm terrified.'
He characterised his ability to conceal these anxieties as exceptional, saying: 'I mask like I'm an Olympian at masking,' explaining how his outward confidence contradicts his internal state.
The singer's wife, Ayda Field, provides crucial support. She encourages him by saying: 'You might never get to be able to play in a stadium again. How lucky are you?'
Personal challenges beyond the spotlight
Williams is currently facing additional stress as his mum Janet has dementia, his father Pete has Parkinson's, and his mother-in-law Gwen was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Earlier in 2025, he told The Mirror: 'The year started with some ill mental health, which I haven't had for a very, very long time. I was sad, I was anxious, I was depressed.'
Williams joins growing list of celebrities speaking openly
Williams isn't alone among performers. Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi revealed in 2022 that he has Tourette's syndrome, saying his diagnosis 'makes so much sense' and describing his shoulder twitch. American singer Billie Eilish was diagnosed with the condition when she was 11 and has said that her tics can be obvious if a camera is on her for long enough.
Actor Dan Aykroyd was diagnosed at age 12 and also has autism. 'I had physical tics, nervousness and made grunting noises. I had therapy, which really worked, and by 14 my symptoms eased.'
The ongoing search for understanding
Williams' story resonates because of his honesty about the ongoing nature of mental health challenges. As he put it: 'Much like I have sought out medication to fix it, I'm constantly still looking for the reason and the whys.'
His journey from his early days struggling with addiction to his current life as a married father of four shows that mental health isn't a destination but a continuous journey of understanding and management.
Understanding Robbie Williams' revelations
- Tourette's can manifest as internal intrusive thoughts, not just external tics
- Mental health conditions often occur together (ADHD, anxiety, Tourette's)
- Getting proper diagnoses can provide relief and understanding
- Many successful performers struggle with stage fright and anxiety
- Speaking openly about mental health helps reduce stigma
The singer's openness about his multiple diagnoses and ongoing struggles provides hope for others dealing with similar challenges. His story shows that success doesn't eliminate mental health issues, but understanding and support can make them manageable.
What aspects of mental health do you think need more open discussion in our community? Have you found it helpful when public figures share their struggles?
Original Article
https://www.news.com.au/entertainme...ccc2227d0953d7b9fa269da5930cc5?from=rss-basic
Robbie Williams shares secret health battle as singer reveals Tourette's diagnosis for first time
Cited text: Robbie Williams has disclosed that he experiences Tourette's syndrome, though his symptoms manifest internally rather than through visible tics.
Excerpt: Robbie Williams has disclosed that he experiences Tourette's syndrome, though his symptoms manifest internally rather than through visible tics.
https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/robbie-williams-health-battle-tourettes-diagnosis
'I can't take it': Robbie Williams reveals Tourette's diagnosis—how he deals with the condition | blue News
Cited text: British pop star Robbie Williams (51) has made it public for the first time that he lives with Tourette's syndrome.
Excerpt: Robbie Williams has disclosed that he experiences Tourette's syndrome, though his symptoms manifest internally rather than through visible tics.
https://www.bluewin.ch/en/entertainment/blue-music/robbie-williams-reveals-new-illness-2898738.html
Robbie Williams shares secret health battle as singer reveals Tourette's diagnosis for first time
Cited text: No You're Not, hosted by Paul Whitehouse and Dr Mine Conkbayir, Mr Williams explained his recent realisation about the condition.
Excerpt: During an appearance on the podcast I'm ADHD! No You're Not, hosted by Paul Whitehouse and Dr Mine Conkbayir
https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/robbie-williams-health-battle-tourettes-diagnosis
Robbie Williams Reveals Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis, Says His Tics are ‘Intrusive Thoughts’ | Robbie Williams | Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment, Photos and Videos | Just Jared
Cited text: While appearing on the Thursday (October 2) episode of Paul Whitehouse and Dr.
Excerpt: During an appearance on the podcast I'm ADHD! No You're Not, hosted by Paul Whitehouse and Dr Mine Conkbayir
https://www.justjared.com/2025/10/0...agnosis-says-his-tics-are-intrusive-thoughts/
Robbie Williams Reveals Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis, Says His Tics are ‘Intrusive Thoughts’ | Robbie Williams | Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment, Photos and Videos | Just Jared
Cited text: While appearing on the Thursday (October 2) episode of Paul Whitehouse and Dr. Mine Conkbayir‘s I’m ADHD!
Excerpt: During an appearance on the podcast I'm ADHD! No You're Not, hosted by Paul Whitehouse and Dr Mine Conkbayir
https://www.justjared.com/2025/10/0...agnosis-says-his-tics-are-intrusive-thoughts/
Robbie Williams shares secret health battle as singer reveals Tourette's diagnosis for first time
Cited text: 'They are intrusive thoughts that happen. I was just walking down the road the other day, and I realised that these intrusive thoughts are inside Tour...
Excerpt: Williams explained these intrusive thoughts by saying: 'They are intrusive thoughts that happen.
https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/robbie-williams-health-battle-tourettes-diagnosis
Robbie Williams Says He Has Tourette Syndrome After Struggling with ‘Intrusive Thoughts’
Cited text: No You're Not podcast and opened up about the disorder and claimed his tics are 'intrusive thoughts.” ... Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental di...
Excerpt: Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by rapid, repetitive and involuntary muscle movements or sounds (tics), according to the Mayo Clinic.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/robbie-williams-says-tourette-syndrome-203312863.html
Singer Robbie Williams Shares Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis After Struggling With 'Intrusive Thoughts'
Cited text: The 'Angels' singer shared that he was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by rapid, repetitive and involunt...
Excerpt: his involuntary tics aren't external but internal.
https://www.eonline.com/news/142333...ourette-syndrome-diagnosis-intrusive-thoughts
Robbie Williams shares secret health battle as singer reveals Tourette's diagnosis for first time
Cited text: Mr Williams described how these internal manifestations prove particularly challenging during performances.
Excerpt: Williams described how these internal manifestations prove particularly challenging during performances, saying even a stadium full of people professing their love cannot drown out whatever is happening inside him.
https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/robbie-williams-health-battle-tourettes-diagnosis
Robbie Williams reveals secret health battle as he confirms diagnosis for first time—Heart
Cited text: Picture: Getty · Robbie also revealed how he feels about performing, saying: 'Not only that, you would think that a stadium full of people professing ...
Excerpt: Williams described how these internal manifestations prove particularly challenging during performances, saying even a stadium full of people professing their love cannot drown out whatever is happening inside him.
https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/robbie-williams-secret-health-battle-diagnosis/
Robbie Williams reveals secret health battle as he confirms diagnosis for first time—Heart
Cited text: Picture: Getty · The father-of-four also revealed he has been diagnosed with ADHD three times, saying: 'The first one was around 2006, where I saw the...
Excerpt: The father-of-four has been diagnosed with ADHD three times, with the first diagnosis occurring around 2006 when he recognised symptoms online.
https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/robbie-williams-secret-health-battle-diagnosis/
Robbie Williams reveals secret health battle | Now To Love
Cited text: The candid interview also saw Robbie share how he had been diagnosed with ADHD three times. “The first one was around 2006, where I saw these things, ...
Excerpt: The father-of-four has been diagnosed with ADHD three times, with the first diagnosis occurring around 2006 when he recognised symptoms online.
https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celebrity-news/robbie-williams-tourette-syndrome/
Robbie Williams reveals secret health battle | Now To Love
Cited text: “And then I started to hear that you could get some medicine that behaved a bit like speed, right? Adderall.
Excerpt: His relationship with ADHD medication became complicated: 'I started to hear that you could get some medicine that behaved a bit like speed, right?
https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celebrity-news/robbie-williams-tourette-syndrome/
Robbie Williams reveals secret health battle | Now To Love
Cited text: “There was a relief that I’d got it officially diagnosed, but then also there was more a relief that I was getting 200 of these tablets and then I tho...
Excerpt: His relationship with ADHD medication became complicated: 'I started to hear that you could get some medicine that behaved a bit like speed, right?
https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celebrity-news/robbie-williams-tourette-syndrome/
Robbie Williams reveals secret health battle | Now To Love
Cited text: ... “You’re always looking for the cure for the ailment of the disease inside your head.
Excerpt: 'quickly went from taking the pills to crushing them and snorting them'
https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celebrity-news/robbie-williams-tourette-syndrome/
Robbie Williams shares secret health battle as singer reveals Tourette's diagnosis for first time
Cited text: The admission marks the first time the former Take That member has publicly discussed this particular health challenge, adding to his previously docum...
Excerpt: 'you're always looking for the cure.'
https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/robbie-williams-health-battle-tourettes-diagnosis
Robbie Williams shares secret health battle as singer reveals Tourette's diagnosis for first time
Cited text: The singer recently completed an online autism assessment, which indicated he possesses autistic traits despite not meeting full diagnostic criteria.
Excerpt: Williams recently completed an online autism assessment, which indicated he possesses autistic traits despite not meeting full diagnostic criteria.
https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/robbie-williams-health-battle-tourettes-diagnosis
Robbie Williams Says He Has Tourette Syndrome After Struggling with ‘Intrusive Thoughts’
Cited text: However, he recently took an online test that told him otherwise. ... “It turns out I'm not [autistic], but I've got autistic traits. And it's around,...
Excerpt: Williams recently completed an online autism assessment, which indicated he possesses autistic traits despite not meeting full diagnostic criteria.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/robbie-williams-says-tourette-syndrome-203312863.html
Singer Robbie Williams Shares Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis After Struggling With 'Intrusive Thoughts'
Cited text: That's why Robbie hopes to see a medical professional about his theory soon, insisting that a more official diagnosis would give him an 'understanding...
Excerpt: His description of daily life is particularly revealing: 'When I'm in bed, that's my comfort zone.
https://www.eonline.com/news/142333...ourette-syndrome-diagnosis-intrusive-thoughts
Robbie Williams shares secret health battle as singer reveals Tourette's diagnosis for first time
Cited text: 'I have a very complicated relationship with touring and performing live. People say, 'Oh, you going on tour? You must be really, really excited.' Not...
Excerpt: He admitted: 'I have a very complicated relationship with touring and performing live.
https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/robbie-williams-health-battle-tourettes-diagnosis
Robbie Williams shares secret health battle as singer reveals Tourette's diagnosis for first time
Cited text: He characterised his ability to conceal these anxieties as exceptional. 'I mask like I'm an Olympian at masking,' he stated, explaining how his outwar...
Excerpt: He characterised his ability to conceal these anxieties as exceptional, saying: 'I mask like I'm an Olympian at masking,' explaining how his outward confidence contradicts his internal state.
https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/robbie-williams-health-battle-tourettes-diagnosis
Robbie Williams reveals secret health battle as he confirms diagnosis for first time—Heart
Cited text: Picture: Getty · The singer has been going through a tough time recently, revealing that his mum Janet has dementia, while his dad Pete has Parkinson’...
Excerpt: Williams is currently facing additional stress as his mum Janet has dementia, his father Pete has Parkinson's, and his mother-in-law Gwen was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/robbie-williams-secret-health-battle-diagnosis/
Robbie Williams reveals secret health battle as he confirms diagnosis for first time—Heart
Cited text: This isn't the first time the superstar has opened up about his health, with Robbie confessing to the Mirror in 2025: 'The year started with some ill ...
Excerpt: Earlier in 2025, he told The Mirror: 'The year started with some ill mental health, which I haven't had for a very, very long time.
https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/robbie-williams-secret-health-battle-diagnosis/
What is tourette syndrome and which celebrities have it? Robbie Williams reveals symptoms on podcast | LBC
Cited text: Lewis Capaldi said that Tourette Syndrome had led him to stop a performance at Glastonbury in 2023. Picture: Alamy · The Scottish singer revealed in 2...
Excerpt: Williams isn't alone among performers. Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi revealed in 2022 that he has Tourette's syndrome, saying his diagnosis 'makes so much sense' and describing his shoulder twitch.
https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/what-is-tourette-syndrome-and-which-celebrities-have-it-5HjdDpq_2/
What is tourette syndrome and which celebrities have it? Robbie Williams reveals symptoms on podcast | LBC
Cited text: Billie Eilish said she was diagnosed as a child. Picture: Alamy · The American singer says she was diagnosed with the condition when she was 11 and, m...
Excerpt: American singer Billie Eilish was diagnosed with the condition when she was 11 and has said that her tics can be obvious if a camera is on her for long enough.
https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/what-is-tourette-syndrome-and-which-celebrities-have-it-5HjdDpq_2/
What is tourette syndrome and which celebrities have it? Robbie Williams reveals symptoms on podcast | LBC
Cited text: Picture: Alamy · The American singer says she was diagnosed with the condition when she was 11 and, more recently, said that her tics can be obvious i...
Excerpt: American singer Billie Eilish was diagnosed with the condition when she was 11 and has said that her tics can be obvious if a camera is on her for long enough.
https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/what-is-tourette-syndrome-and-which-celebrities-have-it-5HjdDpq_2/
What is tourette syndrome and which celebrities have it? Robbie Williams reveals symptoms on podcast | LBC
Cited text: Picture: Alamy · The actor said he was diagnosed at the age of 12 and also has autism. 'I had physical tics, nervousness and made grunting noises,” he...
Excerpt: Actor Dan Aykroyd was diagnosed at age 12 and also has autism. 'I had physical tics, nervousness and made grunting noises.
https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/what-is-tourette-syndrome-and-which-celebrities-have-it-5HjdDpq_2/
Robbie Williams Reveals Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis, Says His Tics are ‘Intrusive Thoughts’ | Robbie Williams | Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment, Photos and Videos | Just Jared
Cited text: It was awful, horrendous through my 20s, bad through my 30s, my 40s started to get better and I’m on an upward curve, but I’m still uncomfortable in m...
Excerpt: As he put it: 'Much like I have sought out medication to fix it, I'm constantly still looking for the reason and the whys.'
https://www.justjared.com/2025/10/0...agnosis-says-his-tics-are-intrusive-thoughts/
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