James Carville, Ryan Gosling, Emma Watson…well, this is not just another celebrity list, but a list of some of the movers and shakers who were diagnosed with ADHD. Acronym for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, the condition does not make a person lesser by any parameter, it only makes the person different. And, as the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding, or the little list of celebrities profiled below. Each one of the eight celebrities profiled below have outperformed others, to make it big in their respective fields. Before we get on to the profiles, let’s take a quick look at the condition itself.
What exactly is ADHD and how have the famous people with ADHD coped with it?
Inability to focus, excessive movements, and hasty actions without any particular logic are some of the commonly observed symptoms of ADHD. This condition affects more than 8 percent of children and 2 percent of adults. There are multiple possibilities that are considered as causative for the condition – genetic disorder, smoking and alcoholism during pregnancy, exposure to toxic substances, brain injury and environmental factors.
Famous people with ADHD have coped with the condition to emerge successful and become the focus of attention. Jim Cavaziel of “The Passion of The Christ” fame reportedly felt inferior at school and had to work harder than other kids. Similarly, Michael Phelps, the holder of multiple records, swam his way through the disorder finding succor in the pool. Most individuals who have overcome the condition have achieved it by zeroing in on a profession or activity of choice that have helped them anchor their lives. Let’s now look at eight of the famous people with ADHD. let their lives, their battles and eventual success show you the way and also help all those grappling with the disorder.
#1 Paris Hilton
One of the most famous Page 3 person on a global scale, Paris Hilton is living with the condition. The heiress to one of the biggest Hotel Chains in the world is on medication for the condition. The disorder has not prevented her from leading an active social life. Tough she has had her share of problems, she deserves credit for managing her life admirably, despite the problems associated with ADHD.
#2 Michael Phelps
There can never be a better example than Michael Phelps when it comes to compiling a list of famous people with ADHD. The person who is the most decorated sportsman of all time, Michael aced it through his exploits in the water. Unlike many of the famous personalities with the disorder, Michael’s fight with the condition is seen more in his admission, and less in his actions. In other words, he has found a way of controlling himself and the symptoms, while openly acknowledging it.
#3 Justin Timberlake
The singer who has the power to make leave audiences spellbound with his performance has acknowledged his condition in an interview once. Despite the fact that he has admitted his condition, nothing seems out of the ordinary. In fact, barring a few exceptions most of the famous people with ADHD do not exhibit behavioral traits that one would expect from a person with ADHD. This is itself an indication that the condition is not to be feared, and that it can be easily treated through a proper regimen of medication, counseling and concrete action to get on with life.
#4 Channing Tatum
Tatum, a heartthrob for his fans, coped with multiple conditions as he grew up. He had ADHD and dyslexia, and felt different from the others due to the segregation. However, despite the difficulties experienced growing up, he overcame his inhibitions and his own perception of self as someone “not as smart as the others”. He has certainly come a long way and is looked up to by his diehard fans – testimony that the disorder only makes a person different but not defective. The differences can result in amazing capabilities, it only has to be exploited for best results.
#5 Leonardo Da Vinci
Who would have ever thought that one of the most famous persons from history actually had ADHD. Leonardo Da Vinci on the list of famous people with ADHD may come as a surprise for many, considering the greatest works of art that he has created. His creative genius is incomparable and the most iconic paintings in the world have the unmistakable stamp of greatness. Studies have concluded that he had ADHD and there are suggestions that it was the disorder of difference that made him think and work differently than others.
#6 Thomas Edison
Most of us are aware of the challenges that Thomas Edison faced in school. He is probably one of the earliest known cases of famous people with ADHD and his inventions continue to drive our life in more ways than one. His focus on thinking differently, helped him to come with inventions that have changed out life.
#4 Channing Tatum
Tatum, a heartthrob for his fans, coped with multiple conditions as he grew up. He had ADHD and dyslexia, and felt different from the others due to the segregation. However, despite the difficulties experienced growing up, he overcame his inhibitions and his own perception of self as someone “not as smart as the others”. He has certainly come a long way and is looked up to by his diehard fans – testimony that the disorder only makes a person different but not defective. The differences can result in amazing capabilities, it only has to be exploited for best results.
#5 Leonardo Da Vinci
Who would have ever thought that one of the most famous persons from history actually had ADHD. Leonardo Da Vinci on the list of famous people with ADHD may come as a surprise for many, considering the greatest works of art that he has created. His creative genius is incomparable and the most iconic paintings in the world have the unmistakable stamp of greatness. Studies have concluded that he had ADHD and there are suggestions that it was the disorder of difference that made him think and work differently than others.
#6 Thomas Edison
Most of us are aware of the challenges that Thomas Edison faced in school. He is probably one of the earliest known cases of famous people with ADHD and his inventions continue to drive our life in more ways than one. His focus on thinking differently, helped him to come with inventions that have changed out life.
#7 Mozart
Another example of creative personalities with ADHD, Wolfgang Mozart’s renditions continue to sway us. A common trait seen among most of the creative people with known disorders is their intention, desire and eventual success in turning their differences from a negative connotation to one that is positive. Their lives and success proves that the disorder is not to be feared as life changing in a negative way, but unleashing possibilities in a positive way.
#8 William
The stage name speaks of the star’s desire to be creative, beginning with his name. He is one among the famous people with ADHD who have credited creativity and success to the disorder. Rather than talking about it as a weakness, these people have turned it around and made it their success. The innate urge to be hyperactive has helped stars like Will.i.am to exploit it and use it for maximum benefit.
This list should inspire you to channelize the different abilities into a passion for some activity. The ability to think differently and be packed with energy to be hyperactive should become an avenue for success. There is nothing negative about the disorder – it is all in the perception. The success of people with the condition is proof of the additional capabilities and creative streak that the condition offers. It is left to the individual to use it and taste success.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.
