• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

ADHD Masking: Definition, Examples, & Coping

Published: July 29, 2022 Updated: May 16, 2023
Published: 07/29/2022 Updated: 05/16/2023
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD
  • Which ADHD Symptoms & Behaviors Do People Try to Mask?Why Do People Mask?
  • Examples of ADHD MaskingMasking Examples
  • Impact of ADHD MaskingImpacts of Masking
  • Coping With ADHD MaskingHow to Cope
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD

ADHD masking is a coping skill that people may use to minimize the effects of their attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Living with ADHD can be a challenge and masking can help one alleviate feelings of insecurity tied to their diagnosis. While this tactic may seem helpful, it could lead to unwanted outcomes.

What Is ADHD Masking?

ADHD masking, a term coined by Russell Barkley, is the process of behaving in certain ways to conceal the symptoms of ADHD. A person can actively and intentionally mask, or it can be a subconscious behavior.1,2 If someone has become adept at masking, those they surround themselves with may never notice or know that one has an ADHD diagnosis. While these methods may allow a person to better blend into society, masking symptoms for too long can impede one’s happiness and well-being. It could also lead to someone denying or ignoring symptoms that are negatively impacting their life.

Find a supportive therapist that can help with adult ADHD. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

Is ADHD Masking Learned in Childhood?

ADHD masking is often a learned response to a person’s environment and perception of mental health. Individuals who view their diagnosis as a part of their identity may not feel the need to engage in these behaviors. However, others may be taught early on that their condition is something to be ashamed of, thus resulting in the adoption of masking tactics in childhood.2 

Headshot of Catherine Nonnemacher“ADHD masking can begin as early as pre-adolescents, as this is a time one attempts to navigate social customs, norms, and figure out their own daily routine. The reasoning as to why this may occur is that we as people want to feel accepted and ‘fit in’ to what we believe are acceptable behaviors,” says therapist Catherine Nonnemacher M.S., LPC.

Alternatively, ADHD masking may not emerge until later in life. Consider a person whose symptoms do not affect them much until they reach college or start a new job. The same could be true for a person who leaves a supportive environment for one that is more rigid or critical. Depending on the setting, someone with ADHD may feel more or less inclined to participate in masking.

Can High Intelligence “Mask” ADHD Symptoms?

A person who is skilled at an assigned task may be able to compensate for the effects of their ADHD more easily than others. For example, someone may not exhibit instances of inattention, because they do well on tests; or, their hyperactivity may be ignored, because the person can complete assigned tasks.2 In these cases, a person is more likely to be diagnosed with adult-onset ADHD, even though symptoms could have been present since childhood.

Do Females With ADHD Mask More Than Males?

Studies show males are up to 16 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females.3 This difference could be due to a variety of factors. ADHD symptoms in women may not be presented as openly or obviously as those in men. Typically, girls exhibit heightened symptoms of inattentiveness, as compared to hyperactivity in boys, resulting in their behaviors being less disruptive or noticeable.4

Which ADHD Symptoms & Behaviors Do People Try to Mask?

Masking is an individualized process. A person could desire to mask any and all symptoms or only ones they perceive as negative. In short, how a person masks will depend on their current environment, surroundings, and personal preferences.

People with ADHD might mask behaviors and symptoms like:1,4

  • Making careless mistakes
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Not listening to others
  • Losing items easily
  • Being forgetful
  • Fidgeting
  • Excessively talking and/or interrupting others
  • Struggling to relax, unwind, or engage in leisure activities

Get Help 

Talkiatry – Offers psychiatric appointments with real doctors, with first appointment in days. They’re in-network with every major insurer and offer medication management. Take a free assessment and meet your new psychiatrist.  Free Assessment


Inflow App – Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial


Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and may be compensated for marketing by Inflow and Talkiatry.

Examples of ADHD Masking

ADHD masking can occur anywhere at any time and by anyone. One may engage in certain behaviors or blame their surroundings to distract from their mistakes and actions. Sometimes, how a person chooses to mask is not only harmful for them, but also those around them.

Here are some examples of ADHD masking:

  • A man at work who makes careless mistakes could begin blaming others for his issues. He may even accuse his boss or coworkers of being responsible for his error.
  • A child at school who struggles to pay attention could mask their symptoms by claiming that the content is too boring or easy. They could say it is not compelling enough to keep them interested.
  • Another child who has trouble listening to their mother could make many educated guesses about what she was talking about. He could guess that she wanted him to clean his room, because she often repeats that command.
  • An adult woman who constantly loses items may blame her children for her actions. She could complain that they are always misplacing her keys, even though they never touch them.
  • A child at school may explain their fidgety behavior by claiming that their chair is too uncomfortable or clothes are too itchy.
  • Someone who persistently interrupts others may attempt to mask this symptom by appearing as an energetic, happy, and engaged person. Some may see the behavior as endearing, and others may view it as annoying.
  • An adult male who struggles to relax could claim that his inability to sit still is due to his tremendous motivation.

Impact of ADHD Masking

Ideally, ADHD masking would allow someone to feel more confident and in control of their symptoms. However, this regulation strategy can result in adverse effects, as well. A person who consistently masks may unknowingly impede their own diagnosis and, potentially, lose their sense-of-self.

Masking Can Delay a Diagnosis

When a person engages in masking, healthcare professionals and family members may struggle to recognize their symptoms of ADHD. This can delay or prevent an accurate diagnosis, thus limiting someone’s access to beneficial treatment.

Masking Can Make Someone Exhausted

Masking the symptoms of ADHD requires a substantial amount of effort and dedication. These processes can leave you feeling extremely fatigued and take away energy you could be using for other areas of your life.

Masking Can Keep People from Really Knowing You

Masking ADHD can seem a lot like pretending to be someone else. When you conceal your identity, it can be hard for other people to get to know you. In the worst situations, it can be hard for you to know yourself.

As Nonnemacher said, “The impact of this can lead to difficulty with being authentic to ourselves. Someone who is masking may present what they feel is acceptable when in reality they feel completely opposite. This can lead to a dissonance to our true selves and who we believe we should be. The impact can also affect one’s attitude toward goals and aspirations. Attempting to fit in can create perfectionistic tendencies, which is not always a conducive or healthy mindset.”

ADHD Management Tools

Inflow App is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain and build lifelong skills. Free Trial

Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by Inflow.

Free Trial

Coping With ADHD Masking

Masking over an extended period of time can be damaging to both your physical and emotional health. Exploring alternative ways of coping with ADHD can help you better manage symptoms, without losing your sense-of-self.

Look at Your Patterns

The first step in working towards a life free from masking is to take an honest and thorough look at how your ADHD symptoms and coping skills are affecting you. Identify the circumstances, settings, and triggers that influence you to begin masking. This process may be uncomfortable, but it will be worth it.

Consider Getting a Diagnosis & Support

Sometimes, self-reflection can show you that your ADHD is impacting your life more than you had originally thought. If this is the case, consider consulting with your doctor to receive a diagnosis and find out more about what treatments are available. Therapy and medication can help you better manage and address your symptoms.

Know Where the Stigma Comes From

Societal stigma around mental health may influence you to view certain ADHD symptoms in a negative light. Therapy can help you overcome this bias and better understand yourself. Celebrating neurodiversity can allow you to fully embrace your identity and live a fulfilling life as your true self.

Celebrate ADHD Strengths

While there are certain circumstances in which ADHD symptoms can prove problematic, you should never think of your diagnosis as a setback or disadvantage. Find the people, places, and circumstances that allow your ADHD to shine, like coming up with new creative ideas. There, you can celebrate, rather than hide, who you really are.

Separate Unhealthy vs Healthy Masking

At times, masking your ADHD can be a healthy and positive coping skill. For instance, using masking as a means of better focusing on projects or deadlines can be beneficial. However, in other circumstances, masking to conceal your personality can create a sense of shame.  Be sure to explore other coping strategies in order to avoid developing a negative self-perception.

Develop Emotional Regulation Skills

Learning emotional regulation skills can be difficult, but will help you better handle your impulsivity. Understanding how to maintain thoughtful responses, actions, and reactions in tough situations is an important part of ADHD regulation.

Final Thoughts

While ADHD masking may seem like a positive action, it can quickly turn into a long term problem. If you’re struggling to cope with your symptoms of ADHD, working with a therapist can help you address emotions that are keeping you from being yourself. Professional treatment could be the best option for balancing your ADHD in healthy ways, now and in the future.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

ADHD Management Tools

Inflow App Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with expert psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment in days. Free Assessment

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Free ADHD Newsletter

A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by ADHD. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

Choosing Therapy  Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Inflow, and Talkiatry.

For Further Reading

  • Learn About Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC
  • NIMH » Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | ADHD – MedlinePlus
  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov
  • Inflow ADHD App Review
4 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • National Health Service. (2021, December 24). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Retreived from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/symptoms/

  • Kosaka H, Fujioka T, and Jung M. (2019, September). Symptoms in Individuals with Adult-Onset ADHD are Masked During Childhood. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6689273/

  • Quinn PO, Madhoo M. (2014, October 13). A review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Women and Girls: Uncovering this Hidden Diagnosis. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4195638/

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.

Recent Articles

Does ADHD Go Away Answers to Whether You Can Grow Out of ADHD
Does ADHD Go Away? Answers to Whether You Can Grow Out of ADHD
ADHD is considered a lifelong condition. ADHD symptoms are not expected to go away, but how the symptoms present...
';
Joon App Review 2023
Joon App Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
Joon is an ADHD app that helps parents motivate their kids to practice responsibility and develop healthier habits. Joon...
';
ADHD and BPD
BPD & ADHD: Is There a Link?
ADHD and BPD have many overlapping symptoms and risk factors. Moreover, those with co-occurring ADHD and BPD are more...
';
ADHD Dopamine
ADHD & Dopamine: Understanding the Link
Dopamine is one of the most prominent neurochemical differences associated with ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and inability to...
';
Music Therapy for ADHD_ Benefits _ How to Get Started
Music Therapy for ADHD: Benefits & How to Get Started
Music therapy can be a very effective treatment for treating the core symptoms of ADHD and other disorders that...
';
How to Parent a Child With ADHD: 11 Tips From a Therapist
How to Parent a Child With ADHD: 11 Tips From a Therapist
When parenting a child with ADHD, it is important to understand how your actions may impact your child's ADHD...
';
Headshot of Eric Patterson, LPC
Written by:

Eric Patterson

LPC
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD
  • Which ADHD Symptoms & Behaviors Do People Try to Mask?Why Do People Mask?
  • Examples of ADHD MaskingMasking Examples
  • Impact of ADHD MaskingImpacts of Masking
  • Coping With ADHD MaskingHow to Cope
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Call for immediate help
Emergency: 911
Suicide Hotline: 988
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo