Paris Hilton said it was a ‘relief’ after she was diagnosed with ADHD
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August 28, 2026, 12:22 PM
Paris Hilton shared that being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult was a turning point in understanding the challenges she experienced throughout her childhood. She mentioned that as a young girl, people often labeled her as unmotivated, indifferent, or even unintelligent, which was painful because she felt judged for something beyond her control.
Paris Hilton shares how being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult helped her understand struggles she faced growing up
Alyson Aliano
Now 45, the entrepreneur, DJ, and mother of two revealed that she received her ADHD diagnosis in her twenties. The condition, which affects concentration, self-regulation, and impulse management, made it difficult for her to stay focused and organized — something she now recognizes as a neurological difference rather than a personal flaw.
Looking back, Hilton admitted that she struggled with attention during her school years, but at that time, ADHD was not widely discussed. It was only as an adult, through conversations with friends, that she began to explore the subject and eventually sought medical advice. Getting a formal diagnosis brought her a sense of relief, as it helped her make sense of many past experiences.
Her story mirrors a broader pattern seen among women. Research indicates that girls are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD in childhood compared to boys — with data showing 13% of boys aged 3 to 17 receiving a diagnosis versus only 7% of girls. This discrepancy is partly because girls tend to show more inattentive symptoms, while boys often display hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.
In recent years, however, greater awareness and better understanding of how ADHD manifests in women — fueled in part by social media — have led to a rise in diagnoses. One study found that new diagnoses among women aged 23 to 49 nearly doubled between 2020 and 2022. Current statistics show that about 11.7% of U.S. children and 6% of U.S. adults have ADHD.
Hilton also pointed out that many women start recognizing their own symptoms after their children are evaluated for the condition. Listening to doctors explain ADHD traits often leads them to identify with those same characteristics and seek their own assessment.
She emphasized that growing up without a diagnosis can be confusing and damaging to self-confidence. Today, with proper medical support, she views ADHD as a strength rather than a weakness — something that has actually contributed to her success as an entrepreneur. She encourages other women who notice similar signs to consult a healthcare professional and find a treatment plan that suits them.
For Hilton, ADHD is not a limitation but a “superpower.” She advises anyone who suspects they might have the condition to seek an accurate diagnosis from a qualified provider.
Read the full ABC News exclusive
