10 Celebrities Who Suffer From ADHD

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, otherwise known as ADHD, affects nearly 10% of school-aged children. Although the condition can be disabling, as focusing and time management skills are difficult to master, treatment options are available. It is also reassuring that many celebrities who have been diagnosed with the condition have been able to overcome the downfalls and have wildly successful careers. Here at ten celebrities who suffer from ADHD who haven’t let their disability disable them.

1. Ryan Gosling

When the heart throb was a child, he had difficulty learning to read. Gosling was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He was prescribed Ritalin by his doctors and placed in a class for special-needs students. Today, Ryan is definitely able to focus, as he’s become an award-winning actor who’s been nominated for an Academy Award and three Golden Globes.

2. Jim Carrey

The Canadian actor/comedian definitely showcases hyperactive tendencies, but we love him for it. Carrey was, however, diagnosed with ADHD in his teens and received treatment for it so it was manageable. Today, the Dumb and Dumber actor no longer takes any medications or stimulants of any kind, not even coffee. He’s one of the celebrities who suffer from ADHD where the condition probably helped his comedic sensibilities.

3. Woody Harrelson

The nutty Hunger Games star was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child. Harrelson remains mum about the subject, as he has never openly spoke about his conditions. He was prescribed Ritalin at a child, but it is unknown if he still takes the medication today.

4. Paris Hilton

The American socialite/businesswoman opened up to Larry King about her ADHD in a 2007 interview. Hilton admitted that she was diagnosed with the condition when she was 12 and takes Adderall to manage it. Paris said, “It’s something I’ve dealt with it my whole life… I learned to deal with it. I’m doing fine.”

5. Solange Knowles

Beyonce’s younger, hipper sister Solange recently captivated social media with her choreographed wedding dance. Solange has become quite successful in her own right. In a 2008 interview, she complained that “people think I’m high even when I’m sober” due to her ADD. When she was originally diagnosed, she was doubtful. “I didn’t believe the first doctor who told me and I had a whole theory that ADD was just something they invented to make you pay for medicine, but then the second doctor told me I had it. I guess I was in denial.” The diva hasn’t let ADD hold her back. Today she’s a successful model, actress and singer.

6. Will Smith

Smith admits that he was never properly diagnosed with the condition, but says he definitely had trouble focusing as a child. Smith said, “I was the fun one who had trouble paying attention… I was a ‘B’ student who should’ve been getting A’s… Today they’d diagnose me as a child with ADHD.” You certainly wouldn’t be able to tell that Will has trouble focusing as he’s had a very successful career as a rapper, actor and producer.

7. Michael Phelps

The Olympic gold medalist acknowledges that swimming was the best prescription for his ADHD. Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD when he was only 9-years old and began taking Ritalin to try and control it. However, his mother Deborah admits that swimming was the best treatment. She says it allowed her son to “develop good time management” and “even if Michael’s mind was all over the place, he could focus on going up and down the pool. Plus, water itself has a calming, soothing effect.” His mother also notes that finding his passion in swimming and directing all of his energy towards his athletic goals has allowed him to manage his disability.

8. Liv Tyler

The famed actress and model opened up about her disability in a 1995 interview. Tyler admitted that she hated reading in school because she was too hyperactive and could never focus. Her mother, Bebe Buell sent her to NYC’s York Preparatory School for junior high and high school because it could accommodate her ADHD.

9. Adam Levine

The Maroon 5 front man says he was diagnosed with ADHD in his early teens. Levine said, “When I was first diagnosed with ADHD, it wasn’t a surprise because I had difficulty in high school focusing.” Today, Levine says that his disability still effects his work, “And I think now, people notice my ADHD as an adult on a daily basis. When I can’t pay attention, I really can’t pay attention.” But ADHD hasn’t stopped the singer from becoming one of the most successful musicians in the industry.

10. Michele Rodriguez

The Fast and Furious star has admitted that she dreams of moving away from acting and into directing someday, but says that her disability impacts that shift. Rodriguez said, “I want to write and direct, but it’s not easy with ADD. I have a hard time focusing when I’m alone. I’m a scatterbrain, but I’m nervous of taking medication. I don’t really want to depend on anything to control my brain.” Despite her condition, Rodriguez has still had a very successful acting career.