Do Women Develop Better Masking Due to Social Expectations? 

Social expectations of women with ADHD play a significant role in the way women develop masking strategies. From an early age, girls are taught to meet certain societal standards, such as being organised, calm, and socially adept. For women with ADHD, these expectations create pressure to hide their struggles, often leading to more refined and complex masking of symptoms. As a result, hidden symptoms of ADHD can go unnoticed for years, causing internalised frustration and emotional distress. 

How Social Expectations Shape Masking in Women with ADHD 

The intersection of social expectations of women with ADHD and gender roles often leads to women becoming experts at masking their symptoms. Here’s how this plays out: 

Pressure to conform to gender roles 

From childhood, girls are expected to behave in a way that fits traditional gender roles, polite, well-organised, and emotionally regulated. Women with ADHD often don’t naturally meet these expectations due to their difficulties with focus, emotional regulation, and organisation. To avoid social judgement or criticism, they learn to mask ADHD symptoms, compensating for forgetfulness, distractibility, or impulsivity by appearing composed or “together.” 

Perfectionism as a coping mechanism 

Women with ADHD may develop perfectionist tendencies to counteract the perceived inadequacy that comes from not meeting social standards. They may overcompensate by working harder, staying up late, or obsessing over small details, all in an effort to hide their ADHD symptoms. This masking strategy might allow them to succeed on the surface but comes at a high emotional cost, leading to burnout or stress. 

Emotional masking 

The need to maintain a controlled exterior often extends to emotional responses. Women with ADHD may suppress their natural emotional reactions, trying to present themselves as calm and composed, even when overwhelmed. This emotional masking can be exhausting and may lead to emotional outbursts or feelings of inadequacy when the strain becomes too much. 

The Consequences of Masking ADHD Symptoms 

While masking can help women manage social expectations, it can also lead to hidden symptoms of ADHD, which makes diagnosis more difficult. Women may feel isolated, misunderstood, or overwhelmed, as their struggles are invisible to others. The emotional toll of masking can also contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. 

Recognising the impact of social expectations of women with ADHD and the gender roles that encourage masking is crucial for understanding the full scope of ADHD in women. With proper support and diagnosis, women can learn to manage their symptoms and stop hiding the challenges they face. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for consultations tailored to understanding the hidden symptoms of ADHD in women and how to break free from harmful masking behaviours. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Late diagnosis and gender differences.