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Paris Hilton Opens Up About Her ADHD Diagnosis: ‘It’s a Superpower’

Paris Hilton Opens Up About Her ADHD Diagnosis: ‘It’s a Superpower’

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Paris Hilton opened up about being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how she came to view the chronic condition as her “superpower.”

In an essay for Teen Vogue, the 43-year-old reality star opened up about how she struggled with ADHD symptoms before receiving her diagnosis later in life.

“Growing up, I was always told that I was too energetic, too distracted, too talkative, just too All,” Hilton wrote at the start of his op-ed.

“My constant need for stimulation, coupled with a school system that failed to accommodate the way I naturally learn, ultimately led me to move into the troubled teen industry, which was apparently supposed to me ‘fix it,’” she continued.

Paris Hilton has opened up about learning to accept her ADHD diagnosis. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Wall Street Journal)

Hilton previously opened up about how her rebelliousness as a teenager led her parents to send her through a series of residential facilities and treatment programs for children with behavioral problems, substance abuse and mental health issues. When she was 17, she spent 11 months at Provo Canyon School in Utah, where she claimed she was sexually assaulted.

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Looking back on this period of her life in her Teen Vogue essay, Hilton wrote, “I wish someone would have asked, ‘What’s really going on with her?'”

“Instead, I spent years feeling misunderstood, punished for the way my brain worked,” she added. “It wasn’t until much later in life that I discovered what was really going on: I had ADHD.”

Hilton wrote that her ADHD symptoms led her to “spend time in the troubled teen industry.” (Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Hilton went on to point out that ADHD is often a “silent struggle” for girls and women, whose diagnoses are often missed according to studies.

The socialite recalled that she initially felt uncertain about how to handle her own diagnosis.

“At first, the diagnosis felt like a label, something that confined me, defined me by what I couldn’t do, by what made me different,” she wrote. “It was something I kept hidden, worried about how it might be perceived. Would people think I was too scattered, too vague, or incapable of success?”

She continued: “But these challenges are only one side of the coin. The other side reveals something beautiful: creativity, passion, resilience, and a mind that thinks in bold and unexpected ways.”

“ADHD is not a limitation; it’s a superpower. It’s my secret weapon in a world that often tells us to play it safe.”

The reality star wrote that she now considers her ADHD to be her “secret weapon.” (Getty Images)

Hilton explained that many of his personal and professional accomplishments were due to the way ADHD affects his thought processes.

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“My brain doesn’t follow a straight line – it zigzags and explores uncharted territories, allowing me to break boundaries and stay ahead of the curve,” she wrote. “ADHD is the reason I was able to anticipate trends. It gave me the creativity to build an empire, the drive to keep pushing boundaries, and the empathy to connect on a deeper level with people. people.”

“ADHD is not a limitation; it’s a superpower. It’s my secret weapon in a world that often tells us to play it safe.”

—Paris Hilton

“One of the most powerful gifts of ADHD is the ability to focus on the things I’m passionate about,” Hilton continued. “When I’m interested in something, I can get completely lost in it, going deeper than most people. This ability has been the driving force behind many of my successes because I dive into every detail and obsess by a project for hours, losing track of time Because my brain thrives on novelty, bold ideas and innovation, I see the world as full of possibilities and I have learned to accept this energy.

“But let’s be real: ADHD can also be overwhelming and exhausting because my mind is constantly racing with thoughts, ideas and distractions,” admitted “The Simple Life” alum. “People often see the glamorous and successful side of me, but behind the scenes, there are days when the noise in my head can be so loud that it’s hard to find clarity.”

Hilton addressed the stigma surrounding ADHD and stressed the need for change. (Getty Images)

Hilton shared that she created systems and structures to help her manage her ADHD and surround herself with a circle of support.

“But even with these strategies, there are days when ADHD can feel like a storm that I have to weather, and that’s okay,” Hilton wrote. “It’s part of the journey and I’ve learned to give myself grace during those moments.”

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The model addressed the stigma around ADHD and neurodivergence, which she said “needs to change.”

“We live in a world where we are often expected to fit into boxes, follow the rules, and do things like everyone else. But my ADHD has taught me that the most magical things happen when we break free from those expectations,” she explained.

“We need to stop labeling neurodivergent individuals as ‘disordered’ and start recognizing the unique gifts they bring,” Hilton added.

Hilton’s latest album, “Infinite Icon,” contains a song called “ADHD.” (Getty Images)

Last month, Hilton released her album “Infinite Icon” – which was her first record since her musical debut with “Paris” in 2006.

“Infinite Icon” contains a track called “ADHD”, which she wrote in her essay as a “celebration of my journey and a message to others that ADHD is something to embrace and not hide.” Hilton also noted that her nonprofit 11:11 has partnered with Understood.org and other organizations to change the stigma around ADHD and provide resources to people with the disorder.

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“I want people, especially young women, to know that being different is beautiful and that your ‘flaws’ can actually be your greatest asset. I’ve faced challenges, of course, but ADHD gave me an inner strength and confidence that nothing can take away,” Hilton wrote.

“To anyone who feels like they are 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 sets you apart.”