Paris Hilton is embracing her ADHD diagnosis in a whole new light, and she’s using her platform to speak out about it. In a candid op-ed for Teen Vogue, the 43-year-old businesswoman, DJ, and media icon shared how her diagnosis shaped her life, and why she now sees it as her “superpower.” Hilton’s journey with ADHD is not just a personal one—it’s become a source of strength, creativity, and advocacy for others navigating similar experiences.
“Growing up, I was always told that I was too energetic, too distracted, too talkative—just too everything,” Paris began, reflecting on her early years. She recalled feeling like her mind was constantly racing, comparing her thoughts to “a pinball bouncing around inside my head” or like “a Ferrari with bicycle brakes,” a metaphor given to her by Dr. Edward Hallowell, a prominent ADHD specialist.
Paris’ need for constant stimulation was at odds with a school system that didn’t cater to her learning style. This struggle contributed to her time in the Troubled Teen Industry, where programs were designed to ‘fix’ young people seen as problematic or out of control. “Ultimately, it led to my time in the Troubled Teen Industry, which was apparently meant to ‘fix’ me,” she explained. The experience, she says, was a harsh and traumatic one, shaping her perspective on how the world often fails to support those who think and learn differently.
When Paris was first diagnosed with ADHD, she admits that the label felt more like a limitation than an explanation. “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,” she revealed. “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 over time, Paris began to see the other side of ADHD—the side that fuels creativity, passion, and resilience. “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,” she said, proudly embracing her diagnosis. For Paris, ADHD isn’t a setback, but rather “a superpower.” She added, “It’s my secret weapon in a world that often tells us to play it safe.”
One of the most significant aspects of her ADHD that Paris has come to embrace is her ability to hyper-focus on things that she’s passionate about. “When I’m interested in something, I can lose myself in it completely, going deeper than most people might,” she shared. “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.”
Paris’ creative energy thrives on newness and innovation, allowing her to see the world through a lens of endless possibilities. “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,” she explained.
While Paris celebrates her ADHD, she’s also open about the challenges it brings. “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,” she confessed.
Over time, she’s developed coping mechanisms to manage her more difficult moments, like creating structure in her life and surrounding herself with a team that understands how she works best. “One of my favorite hacks is listening to everything I read in audio form!” she revealed. But even with these strategies, Paris acknowledges that ADHD can sometimes feel overwhelming, describing it as a storm she has to navigate. “And that’s okay,” she reassured. “It’s part of the journey, and I’ve learned to give myself grace during those times.”
Paris’ newfound acceptance of her diagnosis is also reflected in her music. Her song “ADHD,” featured on her latest album Infinite Icon, is a celebration of her journey. “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,” she explained.
Through her music, Paris hopes to send a message of empowerment to her listeners, especially young women. “I want people, especially young women, to know that being different is beautiful, and your ‘flaws’ can actually be your greatest assets,” she said. “I’ve faced challenges, sure, but ADHD has given me an inner strength and confidence that nothing can take away.”
In addition to her personal and professional accomplishments, Paris is working to change the conversation around ADHD through her advocacy efforts. “My nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact has partnered with organizations like Understood.org to change the narrative around ADHD,” she shared. These efforts are aimed at creating a world where women and children with ADHD feel empowered and supported rather than isolated.
To further this mission, Understood.org has launched a new digital hub specifically designed for women navigating life after an ADHD 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,” Paris said, offering words of encouragement. “Embrace your differences, because they are what makes you unstoppable.”
Paris Hilton is proving that ADHD doesn’t have to be a limitation—it can be a strength. By embracing her own diagnosis, she’s setting an example for others to see their differences as superpowers, too.
