43-year-old Paris Hilton wrote an candid essay for Teen Vogue, addressing one of her most painful topics. The star has struggled with ADHD for many years. Paris notes that the first symptoms appeared in childhood, but her parents initially did not give it much thought. Her constant “need for stimulation,” combined with difficulties in school, led to her being sent to a specialized institution for troubled teens—the Provo Canyon School, known for its strictness and discipline. Hilton recalls those years with horror.
“When I was growing up, I was always told I was too energetic, too distracted, too talkative—just too much of everything,” she reflects on her childhood. “I wish someone had asked, ‘What is really going on with her?’ Instead, I spent years feeling misunderstood and punished for how my brain worked. It took me many years to understand what was really happening.”
When Paris was officially diagnosed with ADHD, she did not immediately come to terms with it and long kept it hidden from the public.
“At first, the diagnosis felt like a label—something that limited me, defined what I couldn’t do, and made me feel different. I used to hide it, worried about how it might be perceived. What if people thought I was too distracted, unfocused, and wouldn’t be successful?”
Over time, Hilton discovered some positive aspects as well.
“The other side of ADHD reveals something beautiful: creativity, passion, resilience, and a mind that thinks in bold, unexpected ways.”
Paris assures that she has now learned to embrace her unique traits and no longer views ADHD as a “limitation.” In fact, she sees it as her “superpower.”
“It’s my secret weapon in a world where we are often told to play it safe. My mind doesn’t move in a straight line—it zigzags and explores uncharted territory, allowing me to push boundaries and stay ahead of the curve.”
The socialite also credited her attention deficit syndrome as the reason she can foresee trends.
“It has given me the creative potential to build an empire, the drive to keep pushing boundaries, and the empathy to connect with people on a deeper level. Because my mind thrives on novelty, bold ideas, and innovation, I see the world as full of possibilities, and I’ve learned to harness that energy.”
Despite the visible benefits, Hilton admitted that the condition can be genuinely exhausting.
“But let’s be honest: ADHD can be draining and tiring because my mind is constantly flooded with thoughts, ideas, and distractions. People often see me as glamorous and successful, but behind the scenes, there are days when the noise in my head can be so loud that it’s hard to concentrate.”
She mentioned that she had to learn to forgive herself. Now, relying on her support system during tough times, she wants to change society’s attitude toward those who also suffer from attention deficit disorder.
“The stigma surrounding ADHD—and neurodivergence in general—needs to change. We live in a world where we are often expected to fit into boxes, follow rules, and do everything like everyone else. But my ADHD taught me that the most magical things happen when you break free from those expectations. We need to stop calling neurodivergent people ‘abnormal’ and start recognizing their unique abilities.”
