Paris Hilton opens up about 'exhausting' battle with ADHD: 'My brain doesn't follow a straight line'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Paris Hilton recently peeled back the layers of her life to reveal a struggle few knew about, her exhausting battle with ADHD, in a heartfelt op-ed for Teen Vogue.

The 43-year-old reality star, DJ, and entrepreneur detailed the frustrations she faced as a child, feeling misunderstood and constantly punished for behaviors tied to her undiagnosed condition.

Paris Hilton spent years feeling misunderstood for the way her brain worked

Reflecting on the criticism she received as a child, Paris Hilton wrote, "Growing up, I was always told that I was too energetic, too distracted, too talkative — just too everything." 

This lack of understanding contributed to her parents sending her to the controversial Provo Canyon School, where she allegedly faced verbal, physical, psychological, and emotional abuse. She has since made it her mission to fight against the "troubled teen industry" and empower its survivors. 

"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," elaborated the mother of two.

It wasn’t until adulthood that she finally received an ADHD diagnosis, which she initially saw as a limiting label, defining her by her differences. But over time, Hilton has reframed the narrative and embraced her ADHD diagnosis, turning what she once hid into a source of empowerment.

"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," admitted Hilton, before adding, "The other side reveals something beautiful: creativity, passion, resilience, and a mind that thinks in bold, unexpected ways."

Paris Hilton admits ADHD can be 'overwhelming and exhausting'

For Paris Hilton, ADHD is no longer a disorder, but rather a superpower that fuels her success.

"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," shared the 'House of Wax' star, crediting the condition with helping her anticipate trends and build her business empire.

While ADHD gives her unique strengths, it’s not always an easy ride. "Let’s be real: ADHD can also be overwhelming and exhausting because my mind is constantly buzzing with thoughts, ideas, and distractions," admitted Hilton. 

Hilton has learned to manage the challenges through self-compassion and leaning on her support system. She has become an advocate for changing societal perceptions of ADHD and neurodivergence as a whole.

She stressed, "The stigma surrounding ADHD—and neurodivergence in general—needs to change. We need to stop labeling neurodivergent individuals as ‘disordered’ and start recognizing the unique gifts they bring."

Paris Hilton hopes her story will encourage others with ADHD

In tandem with her advocacy, Paris Hilton’s artistic side also found a way to channel her experiences.

Her latest album, 'Infinite Icon', released on September 6, features a song titled 'ADHD', which she describes as "a celebration of my journey and a message to others that ADHD is something to be embraced, not hidden."

She hopes her story encourages others facing similar challenges to see their differences as strengths.

In conclusion, Hilton wrote, "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."