- ADHD masking involves learned conscious or unconscious behaviours used by individuals to fit into social settings and avoid stigma.
- Common examples of masking include forcing eye contact during conversations or overworking to compensate for daily challenges.
- Consultant psychiatrists warn that long-term masking can cause severe anxiety, burnout, and delayed or missed ADHD diagnoses.
- The behaviour often stems from childhood experiences of criticism or feeling compelled to hide difficulties with focus and organisation.
- Proper diagnosis and treatment help individuals understand their masking drivers, allowing them to replace these coping strategies with healthier habits.
IN FULL
The ADHD ‘masking’ behaviours that often go unnoticed and can lead to burnout
