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The invisible performance of 'masking' ADHD symptoms is exhausting (opens in a new tab)
medicalxpress.com · 2026-09-29
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The story
The invisible performance of 'masking' ADHD symptoms is exhausting
medicalxpress.com · 2026-09-29
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Open claim evidenceThe source study
“I wish I could just be myself”: Experiences of social camouflaging in adults with ADHD
Source layer
The 8 papers the story cites
Source study separated from background citations.
The research anchor for the report.
- The study this story reportspresented as the new finding
“I wish I could just be myself”: Experiences of social camouflaging in adults with ADHD
Research in Neurodiversity · 2026
- Cited as backgroundpresented as earlier work
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Nature Reviews Disease Primers · 2015
- Cited as backgroundpresented as earlier work
A qualitative and quantitative study of self-reported positive characteristics of individuals with ADHD
Frontiers in Psychiatry · 2022
- Cited as backgroundpresented as earlier work
Causal Models of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: From Common Simple Deficits to Multiple Developmental Pathways
Biological Psychiatry · 2005
- Cited as backgroundpresented as earlier work
High functioning, yet high suffering - the need to incorporate invisible struggles in adult ADHD diagnostic assessment/criteria
Frontiers in Psychiatry · 2026
- Cited as backgroundpresented as earlier work
Skills and compensation strategies in adult ADHD – A qualitative study
PLOS ONE · 2017
- Cited as backgroundpresented as earlier work
Strengths and challenges to embrace attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in employment—A systematic review
Neurodiversity · 2024
- Cited as backgroundpresented as earlier work
The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD
ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders · 2019
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Claim 1 of 6Not checkedADHD masking is described as a constant, invisible performance that can be as debilitating as the symptoms themselves, if not more so.View evidenceHide evidence
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Claim 2 of 6Not checkedThe authors say their research with colleagues shows that masking involves sustained mental effort and can lead to deep emotional burnout and chronic isolation.View evidenceHide evidence
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The source study was found, but this claim couldn't be checked against it.
Claim 3 of 6Not checkedIn the authors’ online study, over 90% of adults with ADHD reported masking their symptoms in social situations.View evidenceHide evidence
As statedover 90%
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Claim 4 of 6Not checkedThe article says masking happens not only at school or work but also on public transit, with family, and even when people are alone.View evidenceHide evidence
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The source study was found, but this claim couldn't be checked against it.
Claim 5 of 6Not checkedThe story says masking is linked to chronic exhaustion, increased anxiety, identity confusion, physical pain or self-inflicted harm, and damaged relationships.View evidenceHide evidence
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Claim 6 of 6Not checkedThe article argues that families, workplaces, and schools should respond with accommodations and low-stakes, predictable environments rather than expecting people to stop masking.View evidenceHide evidence
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“I wish I could just be myself”: Experiences of social camouflaging in adults with ADHD
Research in Neurodiversity · 2026
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Papers considered
The selected paper, plus nearby candidates.
Crossref, PubMed, Europe PMC · 22 candidate papers
“I wish I could just be myself”: Experiences of social camouflaging in adults with ADHD
Research in Neurodiversity · 2026 · Crossref
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Nature Reviews Disease Primers · 2015 · Crossref
A qualitative and quantitative study of self-reported positive characteristics of individuals with ADHD
Frontiers in Psychiatry · 2022 · Crossref
Causal Models of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: From Common Simple Deficits to Multiple Developmental Pathways
Biological Psychiatry · 2005 · Crossref
High functioning, yet high suffering - the need to incorporate invisible struggles in adult ADHD diagnostic assessment/criteria
Frontiers in Psychiatry · 2026 · PubMed, Crossref
Skills and compensation strategies in adult ADHD – A qualitative study
PLOS ONE · 2017 · Crossref
And 16 more candidates considered.