Is masking different for women with ADHD?

Yes, masking often looks different in women. Many women with ADHD learn early to compensate by overpreparing, people pleasing, or internalizing distress rather than externalizing it. Symptoms may appear as anxiety, perfectionism, or chronic overwhelm rather than obvious hyperactivity. Because this masking is socially reinforced, women are often praised for coping while silently struggling. This delays diagnosis and increases burnout. The cost of masking is often emotional exhaustion and self doubt. Understanding these patterns helps explain why many women are diagnosed later in life, despite lifelong symptoms.