Busy Philipps, known for her roles in TV shows like Freaks and Geeks, Dawson’s Creek, Cougar Town and ER and hosting the TV talk show Busy Tonight on E!, talked about her being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder just seven years ago at age 39. (Photo: Courtesy of Busy Philipps)
Courtesy of Busy Philipps
Busy Philipps, recognized for her performances in TV series such as Freaks and Geeks, Dawson’s Creek, Cougar Town, and ER, as well as her role as host on the E! talk show Busy Tonight, has recently turned her focus towards raising awareness about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). At 46 years old, Philipps shared her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 39, an insight she describes as having come in a somewhat unexpected manner.
Philipps Got Diagnosed With ADHD Through Her Child
Philipps recounted, “I took my child to be evaluated for learning differences and other issues she was facing. During the assessment, as the doctor listed symptoms of ADHD, I realized those challenges mirrored my own experiences, prompting me to seek a diagnosis for myself.”
That moment occurred seven years ago. Discovering her own ADHD diagnosis allowed Philipps to better understand the struggles she had been facing for years. She explained how she often felt overwhelmed while trying to manage numerous responsibilities, leading her to mask and overcompensate. “I had various ways to rationalize my behavior, from my disorganization to my inability to remember dates or appointments, double-booking, and forgetting about school field trips,” she elaborated.
The difficulties were both tangible and intangible. “I had piles of clothes and other items scattered around my house, left untouched for a long time,” Philipps noted. “I internalized these issues deeply, which made me feel inadequate compared to friends who seemed to manage more effortlessly.”
Before her diagnosis, she was, in her words, “extremely hard on myself.” Receiving the ADHD diagnosis was “incredibly liberating,” allowing her to be more compassionate towards herself and navigate her challenges more smoothly.
Philipps Emphasized Challenges Women Face In Getting Properly Diagnosed With ADHD
Philipps is not alone in facing delayed ADHD diagnosis. Studies have suggested that fewer than 20 percent of adults with ADHD receive proper diagnosis and treatment, highlighting a general lack of focus on ADHD. This topic was also explored in an earlier Forbes article on Paris Hilton’s ADHD journey.
Women, in particular, face additional hurdles in obtaining accurate diagnosis and treatment. As mentioned in another Forbes article, parts of the U.S. healthcare system often dismiss women’s health concerns. Philipps highlighted that ADHD often manifests differently in females than in males, which can contribute to these challenges.
For men, ADHD symptoms often appear externally, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, while for women, symptoms tend to be more internal and subtle, like quiet distractibility, disorganization, and emotional dysregulation. Social norms may also pressure women to conceal their symptoms, leading to misdiagnoses with conditions like anxiety or depression. Historically, the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have been more male-oriented.
This disparity means that females are less likely to be diagnosed correctly, with boys being approximately three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed during childhood, according to the Duke Center for Girls and Women with ADHD. As a result, women often receive their first ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. Philipps observed, “Due to medical biases and the societal setup, women’s and girls’ symptoms are frequently overlooked, resulting in misdiagnosis or later diagnosis in life. Countless women have told me they recognized themselves in my story and were subsequently diagnosed with ADHD.”
Philipps shared how she managed her symptoms before understanding they were related to ADHD. “In my early 20s, I ate a turkey sandwich every day for lunch for years,” she recalled. “Now I know it was a way to minimize decision-making, which can be overwhelming for those with ADHD.”
Philipps Is Using A Combination Of Ways To Manage Her ADHD
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis didn’t mean Philipps had to abandon her turkey sandwich habit entirely. Rather, it allowed her to find tools to manage her symptoms better. She is using a combination of the once-daily non-stimulant medication Qelbree and various lifestyle changes. “For me, a non-stimulant was the right choice. It’s essential for individuals to experiment with their doctors to find what works best for them,” Philipps said. “Personally, getting deep sleep is vital, so I couldn’t use a daily stimulant.”
She also emphasized the importance of organization. “I put everything in my calendar,” she said. “Recording appointments and reminders immediately, like when my kids have a field trip requiring a packed lunch, has been incredibly beneficial.”
Philipps Is Staying Quite, Well, Busy
Even with her ADHD diagnosis, Philipps remains active in her career. She is currently filming Cupertino, a new CBS show set to air this Fall. Describing the project, she said, “It’s about a startup law firm in Silicon Valley taking on tech industry giants.” Interestingly, the show, named after Cupertino, California, is being filmed in New Jersey. Besides acting, Philipps is also working on her second book.
Additionally, Philipps is committed to raising ADHD awareness, partnering with Supernus Pharmaceuticals, the producers of Qelbree, to highlight the specific challenges women face in obtaining accurate diagnosis and treatment.
