In an enlightening conversation, Busy Philipps has shared her own experiences with ADHD, a condition she was diagnosed with later in adulthood.
Speaking to People, the acclaimed 44-year-old actress discussed her journey with ADHD, which came to light when she was 39 and searching for answers for her daughter Birdie, who is now 15 years old.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is defined by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that disrupts normal functioning or development.
Read on for further details…
Philipps recounted her moment of realization during a doctor’s appointment for Birdie, “My ex-husband and I started looking at each other as the doctor went down the checklist, and it hit me—I recognized myself in all the descriptors. It was an ‘Aha’ moment. I sought my doctor’s opinion and confirmed I unquestionably have ADHD,” she explained to People.
Sharing her struggle, she expressed, “For me, ADHD was less about external disarray and more about an inner turmoil. I was constantly working to organize my thoughts, and my mind had to exert itself far more than most people to make sense of things. It was a relentless challenge.”
Busy Philipps was also seen at the event Bridging the Distance: Celebrating Five Years of Abortion Access with The Brigid Alliance held at The Times Center on Wednesday (May 1) in New York City.
The event also featured prominent figures such as Sara Bareilles, Beanie Feldstein, and Sigourney Weaver.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Busy Philipps and her ADHD:
- How old was Busy Philipps when she was diagnosed with ADHD?
- What led Busy Philipps to discover her ADHD?
- How does Busy describe her experience living with ADHD?
- Who attended the event alongside Busy Philipps in NYC?
Answers:
- Busy Philipps was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 39.
- Busy discovered she might have ADHD when she noticed she shared the symptoms listed in her daughter’s doctor’s checklist for the condition.
- Busy describes her ADHD as more of an internal chaos, where she had to work multiple times harder than others to organize her thoughts and make sense of things.
- Notable personalities including Sara Bareilles, Beanie Feldstein, and Sigourney Weaver attended the event in New York City with Busy.
Conclusion
In revealing her diagnosis, Busy Philipps has highlighted a key aspect of adult ADHD—its often internal nature and the silent struggle of maintaining mental order. Her candid disclosure sheds light on the fact that ADHD is not solely a childhood disorder and can greatly impact adults in unique ways. By sharing her journey publicly, Philipps has opened up a discussion about the importance of awareness and treatment of ADHD at any age, potentially inspiring others who are facing similar challenges.