In an exclusive interview with Health, global icon Paris Hilton has courageously reframed her Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, revealing it as her personal “superpower.” Diagnosed as an adult, Hilton has experienced significant improvements in focus, presence, and self-understanding through treatment. Now, she is channeling her journey into a new initiative, the “Embrace Your Sparkle” campaign, designed to inspire others to perceive ADHD as a strength rather than a limitation.

Known for her multifaceted career, which includes authoring a New York Times bestseller, starring in reality television like “The Simple Life,” building a vast brand empire, and dedicating herself to advocacy against institutional child abuse, Hilton has been living with ADHD—a condition affecting an estimated 15.5 million adults in the U.S. While for many years it felt like a hurdle, Hilton's perspective has evolved, transforming her view of ADHD into a distinct advantage.

At 45, Hilton is launching the “Embrace Your Sparkle” campaign in collaboration with Collegium Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of her ADHD medication, Jornay PM. Through her candid conversation with Health, Hilton shared profound insights into her adult diagnosis, how ADHD has influenced her experiences with motherhood and periods of hardship, and her aspirations to empower others navigating the condition.

Growing up, Hilton exhibited classic signs of ADHD, such as high energy, difficulty focusing, and a constantly racing mind. However, these symptoms were often misunderstood. Her childhood saw her sent to several boarding schools for troubled teens, where she endured physical and emotional abuse. Hilton noted that during that era, discussions around ADHD, particularly in girls (where symptoms are often masked, and diagnosis is less common than in boys), were virtually nonexistent. It wasn't until her late 20s, after observing similarities with friends diagnosed with ADHD, that she began to suspect her own condition. Encouraged by her peers, she consulted a doctor specializing in ADHD, and after comprehensive testing, received her official diagnosis. Hilton describes the transformation in her life since starting treatment as “amazing,” citing enhanced ability to focus, improved impulse control, and a greater presence in her daily life.

Managing ADHD in real life presents unique challenges, especially for Hilton, who balances a demanding career, frequent travel, and raising two toddlers. Yet, she embraces this aspect, affectionately referring to herself as a “fun mom” and acknowledging her inner “child at heart.” Hilton also navigates ADHD during times of crisis, which for her, can intensify emotions. She recounted her family’s harrowing experience during the Los Angeles wildfires of 2025, describing it as a “terrifying time” watching news reporters in front of their burned-to-the-ground home. During such events, Hilton’s ADHD, she explains, amplifies her “deep empathy” for others. Her immediate thoughts turned to mothers and children who had lost everything, driving her to act. She promptly organized efforts to pack baby supplies, assist lost pets, and launch funds to aid displaced families and women-owned businesses affected by the fires, crediting her “mind that’s always creating” to her ADHD.

Despite its potential as a helpful force, Hilton acknowledges that ADHD can also manifest as a “demon” in her mind, generating intrusive thoughts and negative self-talk. She openly discussed her experience with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), a common accompaniment to ADHD characterized by an intense emotional reaction to perceived negative judgments or criticism. This critical inner voice was particularly prominent during her formative years, before her diagnosis provided the language to understand her condition. “I didn’t understand that this was just a voice and wasn’t telling the truth. Now that I know what it is, it’s been very healing,” she shared. Hilton's decision to speak out stems from a desire to connect with others who feel similarly, assuring them they are not alone in experiencing these aspects of ADHD.

Over time, Hilton has cultivated a profound appreciation for ADHD as a personal strength, finding community among other artists, creators, musicians, and actors in her industry who also live with the condition. These connections have inspired her to leverage her ADHD to her advantage. Through the new “Embrace Your Sparkle” campaign, her ultimate goal is to empower others with ADHD to share this sentiment. “I really see my ADHD as my sparkle,” Hilton affirmed, expressing her hope “to inspire others so they can find their inner sparkle as well—their passion in life and what they really love—and feel free to do it, rather than feel like their ADHD is something that holds them back.”