Paris Hilton has spent over two decades in the public eye, but for years, one part of her story went largely unspoken: her lifelong experience with ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition that can make focus, organization and impulse control a daily challenge. Diagnosed in her 20s, Hilton spent her childhood without a name for the struggles she faced. Now a mother, entrepreneur and outspoken advocate, she’s using her platform to reframe the narrative around ADHD, especially for women and girls who, like her, grew up feeling misunderstood.
Our candid conversation paints a portrait of someone who no longer sees her ADHD as something to hide, but as a defining part of the creativity and drive that built her career.
You’ve spoken about growing up with ADHD before you had a name for it. Can you walk us through what those early years looked like and how the labels people used impacted you?
“It was really difficult growing up with ADHD and not knowing what it was. In school, it was always so hard for me to focus, and no matter how hard I tried or how hard I studied, it was really difficult for me to be able to do well in school. And no one was really talking about ADHD, especially for girls, so I always just thought that something was wrong with me, and it was just really, really difficult to have these labels put on me. I felt like I was struggling, and then people were just like, ‘Oh, she’s not trying. She doesn’t care. She’s dumb.’ So many labels were put on me that weren’t true. People didn’t understand that I had ADHD, and that’s just the way my brain works.”
If you could go back and give your younger self the conversation you wish you'd had about ADHD, what would you say?
“I would tell her that there's nothing wrong with you. This is just the way that your brain works, and that you should embrace your sparkle. It’s what gives you your creativity, and that one day you’re going to be able to tell your story to millions of people around the world, and they’re going to be able to connect with you in this way, and you’re going to inspire so many people. So just be strong and don’t listen to people who don’t understand you.”
What did the moment you finally got an ADHD diagnosis feel like? Was there a sense of relief?
“Yeah, definitely. I was in my 20s, and it was definitely a relief to find out that there wasn’t anything wrong with me. It’s just the way my mind works, and being able to connect with such an amazing community of people with ADHD, see so many strengths in it and see it as the reason I am the entrepreneur and multi-hyphenate I am. It gives me this sparkle and this creative, brilliant mind, and I’m really proud to have ADHD now.”
Do your symptoms show up differently as an adult than they did in childhood?
“Definitely. I think before it was mostly at school and difficulty focusing, just constantly getting in trouble with my teachers. Now, being a mom and balancing all my businesses and music and travel and working and everything with the schedules with the kids and all of it, it’s definitely a lot more to balance now being an adult. But now that I know about ADHD and I put systems in place and found a treatment plan that works with me, JORNAY has just been incredible for managing my symptoms and being able to live my best life.”
How did you go about finding the right treatment for you, and what changed once you found something that worked?
“I spoke with my doctor, and we decided that JORNAY PM was the right fit for me, and it’s just been amazing. Mornings used to be so difficult for me before, but now being able to take the medication at night and then go to sleep and then right when I wake up it starts working 10 hours after you take it, so I feel like all my symptoms are managed. When I wake up in the morning I'm ready to start my day and able to focus. It has made such a big difference and meaningful change in my life to be able to have this treatment plan together, and now have systems put in place with my team, so that I can be the most organized possible with everything happening in my life.”
What does a morning routine look like for you? How does your ADHD impact getting ready, staying on schedule and managing those first few hours of the day?
“Waking up in the morning after taking my medication [the night before] and being able to start my day and have everything organized the night before, especially with the kids having their outfits picked out and what’s happening for the day, and having everyone check my schedule, and knowing what to pack for that day, like what trip we’re going on. It could be I had a concert, or I have to go to D.C. for my advocacy work, or go to New York for Fashion Week. It’s always so different. My schedule is different every single day. So really, being able to have these systems and tools in place, and having everything written down, and notepads all over the house in every room because I’m constantly thinking of new ideas, and just trying to be as organized as possible with everything that I have to juggle in my life.”
How have you found ADHD impacts your role as a mother, if at all?
“I feel that being a mom with ADHD can be so overwhelming. But now that I found a treatment plan that works for me, it’s made such a difference in my life. It’s amazing when you can find support systems out there because there are so many other mothers as well who have ADHD, and it’s been amazing to be able to find these online communities of others so that you feel less alone. You can all talk about different tips and mom hacks and all these really cool things. I love going on TikTok and Instagram and searching the hashtag ADHD, and I’ve learned so much through that as well. Being able to hyperfocus on just ADHD, it’s been really inspiring just to be able to connect with so many people who can understand me because I feel like we’re a very special community.”
As a mom and someone with ADHD, what would you say to a parent who's noticing their child struggling?
“I think it’s important to be able to talk with your child and find out what they’re experiencing, and speak to their teachers and also a doctor, so you can figure out a treatment plan that works best for them. I think it helps to let them know they’re supported, and that it’s okay to feel like a lot of schools aren’t really built for minds like ours because they just never were. So I think it’s important to be able to speak with the teachers and let them know what your child is experiencing so that they can be in an environment where they can really thrive and flourish.”
Are there any tips or tricks that you’d like to share with readers that help you?
“I think it’s really important to figure out systems that work for you and in your house, like specific areas to leave your phone or always put your keys or important documents. I think making sure always to write things down is really important. Also, I love reading books on ADHD. I feel like I’ve learned so much from that. Just try to be as organized as possible, and have people who are in your household, whether it’s your husband or wife or whoever you’re with, understand as well, so that they can help support you the best that they can as well.”
