Busy Philipps Admits She ‘Thought There Was Something Wrong with Me’ Before ADHD Diagnosis

**Busy Philipps Discusses Life-Changing ADHD Diagnosis at 39**

Actress Busy Philipps has opened up about her journey following her diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the age of 39. In a candid interview on CBS Mornings, Philipps shared that it was during her child Birdie’s evaluation for potential learning differences that she began to recognise symptoms described in the doctor’s checklist, leading her to seek an assessment for herself.

ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties in maintaining attention, controlling impulsive behaviours, and excessive activity. Its impact can vary widely, especially among different demographics, which Philipps has experienced throughout her own life.

Reflecting on the transformative effect of her diagnosis, Philipps stated, “A whole world opened up in my life in terms of being able to see how it had affected my life up until my late 30s, early 40s when I was diagnosed.” She recounted how coming to terms with her condition allowed her to understand her lifelong challenges and led to targeted treatment strategies.

Philipps currently manages her ADHD symptoms with medication, specifically a non-stimulant drug called Qelbree, taken once a day. In addition to medication, she employs various coping mechanisms to help navigate daily life effectively. “I was able to get treatment and figure out the best methods for myself,” she explained.

The actress emphasised the importance of having a proper understanding of her condition, noting that many symptoms previously caused her to feel as if she was failing to meet societal expectations. “It’s been extremely helpful to just have the language behind what I was experiencing throughout my life,” she remarked.

Philipps raised critical points about the medical bias that often leads to underdiagnosis of ADHD in women. She pointed out that symptoms tend to manifest differently compared to those seen in men, causing many women to internalise their struggles. “I was sort of internalising so much of my disorganisation and not being able to keep things straight,” she explained.

This internal conflict often led Philipps to feel inadequate when comparing herself to her peers. She shared, “For many years in my life, I thought that there was just something wrong with me. I would look at other people around me seemingly having a much easier time, and that goes way back to high school and college.” These reflections underline the often-overlooked emotional toll that ADHD can impose, particularly when left unrecognised for many years.

During the interview, Philipps also discussed how her ADHD has contributed positively to her career as an actress. She highlighted the “hyperfocus” trait often associated with ADHD as a significant asset. “One thing that is common in ADHD is hyperfocus. And for me, I’ve always been able to sort of hyperfocus on my job, on acting, because it’s the thing I love the most in the world,” she stated, hinting at her excitement about her upcoming project, *Cupertino*.

Philipps’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of awareness surrounding ADHD and mental health issues, particularly in women. It also sheds light on the necessity for tailored approaches to diagnosis and treatment that consider the unique ways in which these conditions may manifest.

By sharing her experiences, Busy Philipps not only normalises the conversation around ADHD but also encourages others who may be facing similar challenges to seek help and understanding. Her openness is a significant step towards demystifying ADHD and fostering a more inclusive dialogue about mental health and neurodiversity.