ADHD masking can also be called camouflaging. This is when someone with ADHD tries to cover up their symptoms by copying the behaviors of others who don’t have it. It might be a way for some people to feel more accepted, fit in society, and avoid being stigmatized. A person may do it consciously or sometimes it can go without realizing it. This is the reason ADHD is misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Research has shown that women are more likely to mask their symptoms which makes it difficult to treat them. In this blog, we will see what is ADHD masking, ADHD masking examples of why it is destroying your health, and how to deal with it.
What is masking ADHD?
Masking ADHD is when someone with ADHD presents himself in a way that he is not suffering from ADHD. These people hide their patience to fit in society, feel more accepted, and avoid being embarrassed. It is also called impression management because he tries to compensate for his symptoms.
A person may do this consciously, or it may become an automatic habit. In some states, it might be a helpful strategy, but most of the time it destroys you. Early diagnosis always helps in taking better control of mental health.
Read More: Defining Severe and Persistent Mental Illness AKA SPMI Mental Health
Types of Masking with ADHD
Masking with ADHD can be divided into two main types. One type of masking in ADHD can be hiding hyperactivity. These people try to hide their hyperactivity in many ways like staying calm, sitting quietly without any signs of impulsivity, and responding as you are expected to do in class even if your mind does not support it.
The second type of masking includes hiding inattention. They block out their inattention by not indulging in distractions, not talking too much, controlling their anger, and trying to focus on one thing even if their mind feels chaotic.
Read More: Qualities of Top Mental Health Treatment Centers
ADHD Masking Examples
ADHD masking can take many forms. But by dividing it into types masking in hyperactive type ADHD and masking in inattentive type ADHD, it is a lot easier to figure out the signs of masking ADHD. Here are some examples of ADHD masking
- Check your belongings again and again so that you don’t lose anything.
- Reacting as you are expected in class instead of how you feel.
- Looking fine and not showing any signs that there are problems in reality.
- Hiding hyperactivity through calmness, sitting still and quiet to avoid overacting and too much talking.
- Excessively writing everything down so that you don’t forget things.
- Minimizing behaviors like leg bouncing so you don’t disturb others even though you feel uncomfortable sitting still.
- Attempting to solve your worldly problems by having a perfectionist approach.
- Repressing your feelings of being overwhelmed by your responsibilities results in feelings of shame and guilt.
- A need to always appear in control to avoid feeling ashamed about whether others see your struggles.
- Mimicking or copying other people in social situations so that you don’t feel uncomfortable.
Read More: The Debate of Behavioral Health vs Mental Health
ADHD masking in women
Women are given more importance in ADHD, but still, there is a higher percentage of women who are underdiagnosed with ADHD. While ADHD masking in females is more common, it is often misunderstood by other mental problems like anxiety and depression. Research has shown that women tend to show more signs of inattentive type ADHD, but if you want to see what ADHD masking looks like, you can get the idea from women. It is very difficult to diagnose ADHD in women.
Masking neurodivergent ADHD
ADHD is a developmental condition, not a mental health condition. This means that characteristics and behaviors associated with ADHD result from the way his brain develops. Mental illness refers to the state of the mind that is different from other perceived states.
Neurodiversity is a word that describes children, young people, and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. There are 15% of people in this world with this neurodiverse nature. It is something that does not have any need to mask but it should be celebrated.
Read More: Can Anxiety Cause Dizziness?
What are the Benefits of ADHD Masking?
There are several benefits of ADHD and masking. Let us have a look at the advantages of masking ADHD.
- You write down everything it helps you remember later if you have trouble paying attention.
- You do not like mismanagement and start doing organizational work to stay organized.
- You make an effort to talk less and listen more, it helps you improve your interpersonal talking skills.
What are the Cons of Masking ADHD?
High masking ADHD can sometimes be self-sabotaging for you. You are not what you try to be and you do not admit that you need professional help. It destroys your mental health and also impacts your physical health.
- You struggle to stay organized. So you try to maintain your organization and do not talk to your friends and don’t invite them over. So in this way, you become antisocial and ruin your friendly relationships.
- You have trouble completing your tasks at the same time as your coworkers. But you require more time, which means you have to work extra hours but will be unpaid.
- You do not admit that you have psychological problems and this denial takes you too far from treatment. This may also result in causing other mental illnesses including mood disorders, specifically bipolar disorder.
Read More: Is Bipolar Disorder A Permanent Disability?
Treatments for ADHD Masking
ADHD masking can be dealt with by different coping mechanisms. The most common and effective way to cope with ADHD masking is psychotherapy. There are different types of talk therapy including couples therapy, interpersonal therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
The type of therapy that is used to treat ADHD masking is cognitive behavioral therapy. It helps you understand the pattern and the reasons why the person chose masking. Then, by taking him in confidence, assuring him it is okay to have ADHD. CBT is an effective therapy that is also used for the treatment of PTSD.
Read More: Facts About PTSD: Understanding The Hidden Struggles Behind Trauma
Solid Foundation Psychiatry: Solutions for ADHD Masking
At Solid Foundation Psychiatry, we provide mental health solutions with telepsychiatry. Whether you need treatment for ADHD or schizophrenia, we have got you covered. If you need treatment for ADHD masking, we provide therapy sessions that help you deal with ADHD and accept your situation.
Conclusion
ADHD masking is a way to avoid being stigmatized for ADHD and to be accepted by society. While it has some benefits, at the same time, it is a self-sabotaging state. You can deal with ADHD in various ways including therapy and lifestyle modifications. If you need any professional help, Solid Foundation Psychiatry is your go-to solution.