Sinead O'Connor claims abusive mother 'ran a torture chamber' in emotional Dr. Phil interview

'She was a person who took delight in hurting you'

Sinead O'Connor sat down for a frank and deeply emotional interview about her mental health and experience of abuse, speaking to popular TV psychologist Dr. Phil for the season premiere of his show.

In a preview for the episode, she discusses her mother Marie O'Connor, who died in a car crash when she was 19 years old, and her alleged years of physical and sexual abuse. "She ran a torture chamber. She was a person who took delight in hurting you," she states in the clip.

The Irish singer-songwriter, best known for her cover of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U", elsewhere speaks of how she's "fed up of being defined as the crazy person". She sparked widespread concerns last month after posting a tearful video to Facebook revealing she has been in a suicidal state for the past two years.

When Dr. Phil asks her to confirm whether she has attempted to kill herself eight times in one year, she simply nods.

Dr. Phil appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to discuss O'Connor's appearance on his show, explaining her own personal motivations behind the interview.

"You've seen her video she's posted on Facebook and all, from motel rooms in New Jersey," he said. "She really has had a difficult time, and she said, 'Look, I'm in trouble. I need help.' And she called. She said, 'I want to de-stigmatize mental illness; I clearly have a problem... Too many musicians are dying. I want to use my life, be a teaching tool. I'm willing to sit down and talk.'"

The musician, who has legally changed her name to Magda Davitt to be "free of parental curses", wrote a moving thank you to Dr. Phil on her Facebook page.

"You really are not quite human you know. You're a proper real live angel. I knew that from the gold in your eyes. And from the size of your huge heart. One day I hope to be an angel too. I promise I won't let you down," the post reads.

*If you are worried you or a loved one may be suicidal or having suicidal thoughts, phone Samaritans on 116 123*