Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common mental condition that often leads people to experience inattention and hyperactivity—but Paris Hilton sees the mental condition partly as a benefit.
“ADHD isn’t a limitation; it’s a superpower,” Hilton said. “It’s my secret weapon in a world that often tells us to play it safe.”
She is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, who founded Hilton Hotels.
“ADHD is the reason I’ve been able to anticipate trends, it’s given me the creativity to build an empire, the drive to keep pushing the limits, and the empathy to connect with people on a deeper level,” she said. “One of the most powerful gifts of ADHD is the ability to hyper-focus on things I am passionate about.”
But not everyone with ADHD has the same resources, notoriety, or outcomes as Hilton, according to Veronica West, a registered and practicing psychologist.
Hilton became a household name after starring in the Fox reality series “The Simple Life” with Nicole Richie from 2003 to 2007.
“Her experience, while positive, isn’t the norm for everyone,” West told The Epoch Times. “Many people struggle with focus and organization, so while ADHD might help Paris ‘build an empire,’ it can feel more like trying to herd cats for others.”
Hilton launched a line of perfumes and colognes in 2004 that has earned more than $2 billion with names such as Just Me, Heiress, Heir, Can Can, Fairy Dust, Siren, and Tease. She also founded the company 11:11 Media, which includes TV, podcasts, digital, licensing, and music projects.
“My mind is constantly buzzing with thoughts, ideas, and distractions,“ Hilton said. ”People often see the glamorous, successful side of me, but behind the scenes, there are days when the noise inside my head can be so loud that it’s difficult to find clarity. I’ve learned over time to manage my tough moments by creating structure around my life.”
One of those structures is listening to everything she reads in audio form.
Books on tape are a great option for not only people with ADHD but also those who have a reading disorder such as dyslexia, according to Emily Levy, an ADHD expert and founder of EBL Coaching, a one-on-one tutoring program.
“Individuals can process more of the information from audiobooks without having to focus on decoding complex words,” Levy told The Epoch Times. “However, some people can become easily distracted when listening to audiobooks and miss important parts of the plot.”
ADHD is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors and is diagnosed more among men than women, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Some 5.4 percent of men are diagnosed compared to 3.2 percent of women.
“Their symptoms don’t show up as the typical male overactivity and inattentiveness,” Cincinnati wellness and education expert L'Taundra Everhart told The Epoch Times. “For females, symptoms can include feelings of overwhelm, anxiety or depression, disorganization, money or time management issues.”
Among teens, between the ages of 12 and 17 years old, 13 percent who are diagnosed are boys and 4.2 percent are girls.
Hilton was diagnosed as an adult.
“I spent years feeling misunderstood, punished for the way my brain worked,” she said. “We live in a world where we’re often expected to fit into boxes, to follow the rules, and to do things the way everyone else does. But my ADHD has taught me that the most magical things happen when you break free from those expectations.”
Breaking too many rules, however, often has consequences, such as arrest, probation, and incarceration.
“The stigma surrounding ADHD—and neurodivergence in general—needs to change,” Hilton said. “We need to stop labeling neurodivergent individuals as ‘disordered’ and start recognizing the unique gifts they bring.”
Hilton herself was arrested during a traffic stop in 2011 when a police officer found cocaine in her possession. She pled guilty to two misdemeanors and was sentenced to probation.
“Substance misuse is a very real ramification of ADHD, particularly if it hasn’t yet been diagnosed,” licensed clinical social worker John Fouts told The Epoch Times. “Impulsivity, risk-taking, persistent tardiness, and being argumentative are not uncommon behaviors associated with ADHD. That doesn’t mean the person is stupid, lazy, or not serious.”
Fouts is clinical director of training with Victory Starts Now, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that supports previously incarcerated people.
“Those with ADHD are much more likely to abuse these substances, possibly because they tend to be more impulsive and struggle with behavioral challenges,” Levy said.
But Levy doesn’t agree with Hilton about eliminating the association of ADHD with labels identifying people’s challenges.
“There are medications that work wonders for individuals with ADHD in helping them stay focused and on-task,” Levy said. “Many neurodivergent individuals need concepts taught to them in certain ways and benefit from specific accommodations tailored to their needs. Without the label, they may not receive the appropriate support.”
Hilton did not reply to requests for comment.
