The [X] Famous People and Celebrities With ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for anyone at any age. It can be difficult to not only come to grips with the diagnosis itself, but also to determine which course of ADHD treatment is right for you. However, it always helps to know you’re not alone. ADHD is more common than you might think. In addition to the likelihood that some of your friends and family members may also have ADHD, there are also a number of high-profile celebrities and personalities that have chosen to share their own experiences with the disorder. Read more about their stories to understand how celebrities with ADHD are managing their symptoms.

Accomplished Athletes

Did you know that some of the most highly regarded athletes in Olympic history have ADHD? For example, Michael Phelps, who has won 28 Olympic gold medals and accomplished more than any other swimmer (and even Olympian) in history, has candidly shared what it was like for him to manage ADHD with both medication and through his athletic training. In fact, he discovered that the routine of practicing and the water's soothing nature had a therapeutic effect on him. He used proven methods and his own creative approach to ADHD management to push through perceived limitations and become a success.

Another Olympian, Simone Biles, courageously shared her struggle with mental health in light of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and her decision to withdraw from certain events. However, having an openness about her challenges is nothing new for the gymnastic superstar. In 2016, she shared her ADHD diagnosis with the world after some of her confidential medical records were leaked. Biles never shied away from the topic once it was brought to light. Instead, she tweeted: "Having ADHD, and taking medicine for it, is nothing to be ashamed of, nothing that I'm afraid to let people know." She wants both children and adults to know that anyone with ADHD can proudly live a happy, fulfilled, and productive life.

Super Bowl champion Terry Bradshaw also overcame an ADHD diagnosis to pursue a successful career in athletics. He struggled in school as a child, but that pushed him to prove himself on the football field. Eventually, he learned how to manage his ADHD in a way that allowed him to excel not only as a star athlete, but also as a sports analyst, actor, and recording artist.

Famous Actors & Musicians

For Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5 and former coach on The Voice, ADHD is not only something he’s comfortable sharing, but also something he has fully embraced as a kind of superpower. Levine had ADHD as a child, and later realized it had persisted into adulthood. In ADDitude Magazine, Levine credited ADHD with part of the reason he’s a fount of song ideas and musical inspiration. He admits there’s a conscious need to manage ADHD, as he struggled with writing and recording songs before getting the right treatment, but isn’t afraid of a future with it.

Another musician who finds that ADHD can fuel creativity is will.i.am, music producer, founder of The Black Eyed Peas, and eight-time Grammy award winner. He's said that while ADHD does present challenges, it can also spark ideas and provide energy for his many pursuits, which include not only music but also tech inventions and a foundation that benefits low-income children.

Howie Mandel, who is most recently known for his time on “America’s Got Talent,” says his childhood was sometimes plagued by criticism or disdain due to his symptoms. However, he found solace when he came forward with his ADHD diagnosis and sparked a discussion around obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Dealing with dual disorders can be challenging, but he's found that the right treatment can make a huge difference. As he said in ADDitude Magazine, "If you suspect that you have ADHD, you should find out — get diagnosed and get help. Your life will be much better for doing so."

Those are wise words for anyone who might wonder what lies ahead. ADHD symptoms don't have to be something that spells doom for your future. These celebrity stories serve as a helpful and perhaps much-needed reminder that others out there have been able manage their ADHD effectively, find silver linings in their symptoms, and lead successful and happy lives. It also means that there are people out there willing to talk, listen, and share their experiences, so you don't have to go through it alone. If you'd like to take that first step on your journey of getting a diagnosis or you want to learn more about your ADHD treatment options, Done is here to help.