- 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.
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