In the popular children’s book A Bad Case of Stripes, protagonist Camilla Cream refuses to acknowledge her love of lima beans as she strives to fit in with her classmates. As a result, the young girl soon has stripes covering her skin, which morph into various patterns, before she eventually starts growing odd appendages and becoming “one” with her bedroom. The classic picture book uses a funny story to showcase a powerful message: there are sometimes consequences to trying to be just like everyone else.

Recognizing ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and forms of neurodivergence with which children are diagnosed. However, ADHD is not limited to childhood. People of any age can live with ADHD or be neurodiverse. Children diagnosed with ADHD may continue to show symptoms as they age, and it may take until adulthood for someone to receive their initial diagnosis.Scientists are still looking into the causes of ADHD , but research shows that genetics can play a significant role in the condition. Other contributing factors can include low birth weight, stress during pregnancy, and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or smoking during pregnancy.

Characteristics of ADHD

An individual may be diagnosed with one of three types of ADHD based on how their symptoms present: Predominantly inattentive presentation (ADHD-PI).Predominantly hyperactive or impulsive presentation (ADHD-HI) All-inclusive display .Each subtype of ADHD involves a unique set of symptoms. People with inattentive ADHD often struggle with staying focused and organized, finding it challenging to stay on task. Hyperactive or impulsive ADHD can cause someone to have difficulty staying still and a propensity to make impulsive decisions. An individual who exhibits both types of ADHD is characterized as having a combined presentation.

The prevalence of ADHD

Almost 10% of children between three and 17 in the United States have an ADHD diagnosis. Boys are diagnosed at a rate more than twice that of girls. 11.9% of boys compared to 5.5% of girls are diagnosed with the condition. Worldwide, more than 366 million people 18 and older have adult ADHD. For decades, diagnoses of ADHD have been on the rise. While there is still some debate about why many people are being diagnosed with the condition, studies show that young girls and adults with ADHD are often overlooked in the diagnostic process. In an article about taking a lifespan approach providing guidance in the identification of ADHD in women and girls, experts pointed out that even now, physicians may experience a lack of recognition or referral bias when it comes to diagnosing ADHD in these groups.

ADHD masking

Social norms are often established based on the behavior of neurotypical people (people without neurodevelopmental differences). To fit in, people with conditions like ADHD may choose to mask their symptoms and natural behaviors. While hiding symptoms may provide social relief in the moment, it can also lead to long-term consequences for those who mask.

What is ADHD masking?

ADHD masking, or impression management, occurs when someone goes out of their way to hide their ADHD symptoms. In some cases, masking is done consciously. However, it may also become an ingrained habit or subconscious behavior. Masking is typically done to portray a specific version of yourself. People with ADHD may mask their symptoms to fit in at work or with their friends out of concern that others may think less of them.

How does it appear, and what are the consequences?

ADHD masking can show up via several behaviors. The type of masking in which you engage may depend on the type of ADHD you have, but some common ways people mask include:

Focusing intensely to keep up when talking to others .The urge to write everything down .Struggling to focus because of excessive energy .Suppressing strong emotions .Choosing to organize a task instead of getting started Fighting the urge to fidget or stim .Mimicking other people to try to be more “socially acceptable” .While masking can make it easier to believe you fit in with your peers, it can also lead to negative repercussions, including physical and emotional tiredness, impostor syndrome, identity troubles, anxiety or depression, and suicide ideation. .If you are suffering suicidal thoughts or urges, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text 988 to talk to a crisis provider over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support. 988 also offers an online chat for anyone with an internet connection.

Masking and diagnosis challenges

Consistently hiding your ADHD may delay or prevent a diagnosis of the illness. A mental health practitioner often uses the history of your conduct to understand whether you have the disease. If your past conduct doesn’t suggest any symptoms of ADHD , it might be tough to diagnose and manage the illness.

How to recognize ADHD masking

It can be tough to spot ADHD masking if the habits have become a part of your routine. However, you can apply a few ways to notice when masking. Pay attention to how you act around different groups of individuals. If you frequently adjust your conduct in different contexts, you may be masking to cover up your natural habits or personality.You may also engage with a therapist to discover which concealing habits are beneficial or harmful. For example, writing everything down might be tiresome, making it difficult to retain track of information. However, keeping a calendar full of key dates and a note offering helpful reminders will help you manage your responsibilities.

Is unmasking safe?

Although there are various ways that ADHD masking can damage your mental health, there can also be disadvantages to unmasking your disease and allowing your symptoms to appear. An individual who unmasks may find it more tough to obtain a job that can suit them or may endure verbal or physical assaults. It can be natural why someone would wish to seek guidance in establishing how to be their real selves while ensuring their physical and emotional safety. If you fear how people will react to your genuine personality and your ADHD habits, you may be hesitant to quit disguising. Your fear is legitimate, but there are ways to learn to manage your behaviors without covering up or hiding them totally. Healthy coping methods are often vital to helping you successfully navigate life with ADHD. You may gain these abilities in treatment with a skilled therapist with experience working with neurodivergent individuals.

Support options

In some circumstances, ADHD may make it tough to participate in in-person therapy. You may lose track of time and struggle to travel to your therapist on time or struggle to sit through a full session. Online therapy, offered through sites like BetterHelp, provides one approach to mitigate these challenges. If you forget about a therapy session, you can log in when your therapist reaches out with a reminder. In addition, you can attend the session from anywhere you believe is most conducive, allowing you to choose a setting free of distractions or even move about while you chat with your therapist.