Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often associated with differences in focus and attention, but plenty of people with ADHD do very well, and these five women are good examples. From entertainment to business and activism, Greta Gerwig, Doja Cat, Olivia Attwood, Paris Hilton and Lily Allen have all spoken openly about their ADHD, and many describe it as a source of creativity, energy and resilience. If you’re interested in more well-known names, take a look at our round-up of celebrities with ADHD.
Greta Gerwig
Greta Gerwig, the acclaimed filmmaker and actor, has made her mark on Hollywood through her distinctive storytelling. She is known for writing and directing films such as Lady Bird, Little Women and, most recently, Barbie. In 2023, she spoke about being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Many people with ADHD describe a talent for thinking outside the box and an ability to hyperfocus on projects they care about, and Gerwig’s unconventional approach has won her a lot of critical praise.
Doja Cat
Multi-talented artist Doja Cat is known for genre-blending tracks and big live performances. She has spoken about her ADHD in interviews, including how it affected her at school and how it shows up in her creative process. Her habit of switching between musical styles has produced a string of chart hits, and her style is very much her own.
Olivia Attwood
Reality TV star Olivia Attwood, known for her appearances on shows like Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex, has used her platform to challenge stereotypes about ADHD. She was first diagnosed as a child and again as an adult, and has spoken about how many girls with ADHD go undiagnosed. Her openness about her experiences has helped raise awareness of ADHD in women and encouraged others to seek support.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton, a pop culture icon, has transformed her image from socialite to savvy businesswoman. Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Hilton has channelled her energy and creativity into building a global brand, from fashion to fragrance, and has described ADHD as her “superpower”. Her story is a good reminder that it’s never too late to understand yourself better and play to your strengths.
Lily Allen
British singer-songwriter Lily Allen is known for her candid lyrics and distinctive voice. In 2023 she shared that she had been diagnosed with adult ADHD. Talking openly about it has helped reduce stigma and got more people talking about ADHD in adults.
Why so many women are diagnosed later in life
Several of the women on this list were diagnosed as adults, and that’s a common story. ADHD in women and girls is often missed because it can look different, with less obvious hyperactivity and more internal restlessness, overwhelm or masking. If any of this sounds familiar, our article on the signs of ADHD in women is a good place to start, and you can read more stories in 7 remarkable neurodivergent women.
At work, the same traits that can make some tasks harder, such as a need for variety or a dislike of routine admin, often come with real strengths: creativity, energy, problem-solving and the ability to hyperfocus. Our guide to ADHD in the workplace looks at how employers can get the best from ADHD talent.
Conclusion
Greta Gerwig, Doja Cat, Olivia Attwood, Paris Hilton and Lily Allen work in very different fields, but they have all done well on their own terms, and several only found out they had ADHD as adults. Their stories are worth sharing with anyone who has been told their brain is a problem to be fixed.
How Enna can help
If you’re looking for your next role, the Enna jobs board lists jobs with employers who value neurodivergent talent. You can also sign up for job alerts or read more about how we support neurodivergent talent.
Employers who want to hire and keep people like the women above might start with our Neurodiversity Deep Dive workshop which goes into ADHD and other types of neurodivergence in proper depth. Book a call if you’d like to know more.
