Close

Types of ADHD masking include hiding hyperactivity with calmness, sitting quietly at a desk without squirming in one’s seat, or responding as you are expected to do during class discussions even though your mind may feel chaotic. Masking may also include over-focusing on a teacher, task, or activity to avoid distractions and impulsivity.

The Best Online Resources for ADHD We Tried and Tested

History and Prevalence of ADHD Masking

Research on ADHD masking is still limited, and it has not been studied extensively. Barkley said that this is due to the fact that ADHD masking is a very difficult concept for people without ADHD to understand, so they may find it hard to believe.

What’s more, people with ADHD may be ashamed to admit they are “faking” it, and doctors don’t always ask patients about the possibility. In other words, it may be that ADHD masking is more common than we know.

The Lost Skill of Resting With ADHD

Examples of ADHD Masking

ADHD masking is a way of hiding symptoms through learned behaviors that can be healthy or unhealthy. Many people with ADHD break social rules through their behaviors and may face shame and ridicule. As a result, they develop coping strategies to hide parts of themselves.

Below are some examples of ADHD masking.

Understanding Vocal Stimming in ADHD and Autism

Impact of ADHD Masking

Below are some of the potential negative impacts of engaging in ADHD masking.

How to Stop People-Pleasing

Coping With ADHD Masking

When you can identify that ADHD masking is taking place, you can start learning ways to cope without turning into someone else. You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable life becomes when you learn new skills for managing instead of hiding your struggles.

Below are some ideas to get started:

Living With ADHD: Strategies for Well-Being

Final Thoughts

ADHD masking is a way of coping that feels easier in the moment but does nothing to help you deal with what truly needs attention inside yourself. By understanding how you cope, recognizing when your behavior becomes too much, and learning new tools for dealing with stress, it is possible for you to finally start living life more fully.

Get Help NowWe’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

Get Help Now

We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Barkley RA.Taking Charge of Adult ADHD. Guilford Press; 2010.Kosaka H, Fujioka T, Jung M.Symptoms in individuals with adult-onset ADHD are masked during childhood.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2019;269(6):753-755. doi:10.1007/s00406-018-0893-3

2 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Barkley RA.Taking Charge of Adult ADHD. Guilford Press; 2010.Kosaka H, Fujioka T, Jung M.Symptoms in individuals with adult-onset ADHD are masked during childhood.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2019;269(6):753-755. doi:10.1007/s00406-018-0893-3

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Barkley RA.Taking Charge of Adult ADHD. Guilford Press; 2010.Kosaka H, Fujioka T, Jung M.Symptoms in individuals with adult-onset ADHD are masked during childhood.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2019;269(6):753-755. doi:10.1007/s00406-018-0893-3

Barkley RA.Taking Charge of Adult ADHD. Guilford Press; 2010.

Kosaka H, Fujioka T, Jung M.Symptoms in individuals with adult-onset ADHD are masked during childhood.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2019;269(6):753-755. doi:10.1007/s00406-018-0893-3

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?