In this op-ed, Paris Hilton reflects on her ADHD diagnosis, and why it's become something she celebrates.
Growing up, I was always told that I was too energetic, too distracted, too talkative — just too everything. My mind was constantly racing, jumping from one thought to the next, like a pinball bouncing around inside my head or a Ferrari with bicycle brakes (a metaphor Dr. Edward Hallowell, MD once described to me). My constant need for stimulation, paired with a school system that failed to accommodate how I naturally learn, ultimately led to my time in the Troubled Teen Industry, which was apparently meant to “fix” me.
I wish someone had asked, “What’s really going on with her?” Instead, I spent years feeling misunderstood, punished for the way my brain worked. It wasn’t until much later in life that I discovered what was really happening: I had ADHD — or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder — For many women, ADHD is often a silent struggle. A staggering 21 million women between the ages of 18 and 64 likely have ADHD or learning differences like dyslexia, and many of them are still undiagnosed. Studies show that girls are diagnosed with ADHD only one-third as often as boys because their symptoms don’t always align with the hyperactive, disruptive behaviors typically associated with ADHD in boys.
At first, being diagnosed felt like a label — something that boxed me in, defining me by what I couldn’t do, by what made me different. It’s something I used to keep hidden, worried about how it might be perceived. Would people think I was too scattered, too unfocused, or incapable of success? But those challenges are just one side of the coin. The other side reveals something beautiful: creativity, passion, resilience, and a mind that thinks in bold, unexpected ways.
ADHD isn’t a limitation; it’s a superpower. It’s my secret weapon in a world that often tells us to play it safe.
My brain doesn’t follow a straight line — it zigzags and explores uncharted territory, allowing me to break boundaries and stay ahead of the curve. ADHD is the reason I’ve been able to anticipate trends, it’s given me the creativity to build an empire, the drive to keep pushing the limits, and the empathy to connect with people on a deeper level.
One of the most powerful gifts of ADHD is the ability to hyper-focus on things I am passionate about. When I’m interested in something, I can lose myself in it completely, going deeper than most people might. This ability has been the driving force behind many of my successes because I throw myself into every detail and obsess over a project for hours, losing track of time. Because my brain thrives on newness, on bold ideas, and on innovation, I see the world as full of possibilities, and I’ve learned to embrace that energy.
But let’s be real: ADHD can also be overwhelming and exhausting because my mind is constantly buzzing with thoughts, ideas, and distractions. People often see the glamorous, successful side of me, but behind the scenes, there are days when the noise inside my head can be so loud that it’s difficult to find clarity.
I’ve learned over time to manage my tough moments by creating structure around my life — setting up systems to keep me grounded and surrounding myself with a team that understands how I work best. One of my favorite hacks is listening to everything I read in audio form! But even with these strategies, there are days when ADHD can feel like a storm that I have to navigate, and that’s okay. It’s part of the journey, and I’ve learned to give myself grace during those times.
The stigma surrounding ADHD — and neurodivergence in general — needs to change. We live in a world where we’re often expected to fit into boxes, to follow the rules, and to do things the way everyone else does. But my ADHD has taught me that the most magical things happen when you break free from those expectations. We need to stop labeling neurodivergent individuals as “disordered” and start recognizing the unique gifts they bring.
My song “ADHD” on my new Infinite Icon album is a celebration of my journey and a message to others that ADHD is something to be embraced, not hidden. I want people, especially young women, to know that being different is beautiful, and your “flaws” can actually be your greatest assets. I’ve faced challenges, sure, but ADHD has given me an inner strength and confidence that nothing can take away. My nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact has partnered with organizations like Understood.org to change the narrative around ADHD. They’re advocating for a world where women and children with ADHD aren’t left to fight their battles alone, helping us feel empowered and understood. Their new digital hub is designed specifically for women who suspect they have ADHD or are navigating life after a diagnosis.
To anyone out there who feels like they’re struggling with ADHD or any other challenge, I want you to know this: you are not alone, and you are not defined by your diagnosis. Embrace your differences, because they are what makes you unstoppable.
Related: Paris Hilton Shares Story of Alleged Abuse While Testifying Before Congress
