Paris Hilton says that her ADHD is her “superpower” — and experts say there are some surprising benefits.
The multi-hyphenate star has opened up numerous times about her diagnosis in interviews and even song lyrics, but most recently told Healthline that having ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, helps her “see things from angles other people might not.”
“ADHD gives me creativity, resilience, and the ability to think outside the box — qualities I consider my greatest strengths,” she said, crediting the diagnosis for being the driving force behind much of her “success.”
“ADHD isn’t about being lazy or unmotivated; in fact, we can be incredibly driven and productive when something interests us,” she said.
“People often don’t realize how much effort it takes to manage the constant mental noise and energy that comes with ADHD. It’s exhausting at times, but it doesn’t mean we’re any less capable.”
In fact, having ADHD can actually be beneficial, according to Healthline. The disorder often causes people to be more energetic, spontaneous, hyperfocused and creative.
They often have “endless amounts of energy” that they can “channel toward success” and are “the life of the party” and “more open and willing to try new things.”
People with ADHD are also more likely to have “a different perspective on life” that can make them “inventive thinkers,” and they can become so hyperfocused on tasks they have the ability to “work at it until completion without breaking concentration.”
Past research has also shown that, when presented with a reward or competition, people with ADHD performed better than those who did not have the disorder.
To manage her own to-do list, Hilton said she “break tasks into smaller, manageable steps so I don’t feel like I’m tackling everything all at once.” She also prioritizes her self-care routine and says “turning everything into audio” helps her focus without feeling overwhelmed.
“Surrounding myself with a supportive team who understands how I work has also been a huge help,” she continued. “I truly believe it is just as important for the individual living with ADHD and the people around them to educate themselves.”
The reason she shares her story about living with ADHD is to end the “stigma” surrounding the diagnosis, saying she’s “come to realize how important it is for people to know they’re not alone.”
“Shifting the narrative — not just for myself, but for anyone who’s ever felt like their differences were a disadvantage,” she said, referring to a song about her disorder on her new album.
“‘ADHD’ is my way of saying that it’s okay to be different, and in fact, it’s those differences that can make you unstoppable.”
