loading . . . Masking in ADHD & Autism: The Hidden Cost of Looking “Fine” This video explains masking in ADHD and autism — why someone may look calm, capable and socially “fine” while experiencing significant internal strain.
Dr Sanil Rege explores masking beyond “hiding who you are,” linking it to arousal regulation, interoception, social performance, shame, emotional suppression, sensory strain and the protective social self.
Using psychiatry, neuroscience, neurodevelopment and psychodynamic thinking, this video explains why masking is often misunderstood in clinical practice — and why the key question is not whether the mask is “real,” but what job it is doing.
Relevant for clinicians, patients, families and anyone interested in ADHD, autism, trauma, emotional regulation, psychodynamic psychotherapy and the hidden cost of appearing fine.
⏱ Chapters:
00:00 Why masking is often misunderstood
00:56 The key question: what job is the mask doing?
02:07 Why is the term masking confusing?
03:15 Arousal: why behaviour may not reflect the internal state
04:22 Interoception and the body’s role in emotion
06:50 Masking as relational and behavioural adaptation
07:24 Neurodevelopment, relationships and personality organisation
10:20 Winnicott’s false self and masking
12:06 What is the mask protecting?
12:51 Why “just stop masking” is not clinically useful
14:20 Medication, ADHD and regulation
15:32 Why masking affects the therapeutic relationship
📌 Key learning points for clinicians and patients:
1. Masking is not simply pretending. It can be an adaptive strategy for managing arousal, social demands, shame, sensory strain and rejection risk.
2. In ADHD and autism, masking may involve scripting, self-monitoring, over-preparation, emotional suppression and hyper-functioning — often followed by exhaustion or collapse.
3. Interoception matters because the body may be under strain before the person can clearly name or express what they feel.
4. A polished presentation does not mean absence of distress. High-functioning can still require enormous internal effort.
5. Psychodynamic ideas such as the false self shift the question from “is this genuine?” to “what made this adaptation necessary?”
6. Treatment is not simply removing the mask. It is reducing the need for it by building safer, more flexible ways of meeting emotional and relational needs.
About Dr Sanil Rege:
Dr Sanil Rege is a consultant psychiatrist, educator, and founder of The Academy by Psych Scene, where clinicians learn cutting-edge neuroscience and psychiatry integrated with practical strategies for better patient outcomes.
#Masking #ADHD #Autism #AutismMasking #ADHDMasking #MentalHealth #Psychiatry #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #Interoception #EmotionalRegulation #PsychodynamicPsychotherapy #DrRege #PsychScene #PsychiatrySimplified
Related Videos:
1. Always Tired? Here’s How to FIX the Brain-Based Fatigue Trap https://youtu.be/TxC1WCtugBc
2. Hidden ADHD: The Real Reason High Achievers Burn Out
https://youtu.be/AtERZ0Rw5gA
3. Tired All the Time? Your Brain Might Be Trying to Tell You Something
https://youtu.be/L7m15rK5dhc
ADHD Playlist : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV0KZkVDyoOEOaE9DoJgpXzCXi_0b4sZz&si=qeae_JcxvJVwUh1M
4. ADHD & Autism (AuDHD): Why Stimulants Work Differently (and What to Try Instead)
https://youtu.be/dLVzwNp9GMY
Relevant Resources:
👉Psychiatry Training: https://www.academy.psychscene.com
🎓RESOURCES BY PSYCH SCENE:
🌐The Academy by Psych Scene: PSYCHIATRY EDUCATION REDEFINED
https://academy.psychscene.com/
Revolutionary psychiatry learning.
🌐Psych Scene Hub: PSYCHIATRY TEXTBOOK OF THE FUTURE
https://psychscenehub.com/
The Hub is devoted to making you a better mental health professional. Our team of academic and clinical experts bring you powerful summaries, videos and interviews in psychiatry and neurosciences.
🌐Psych Interview Online: REAL WORLD SKILLS FOR REAL WORLD SUCCESS
https://www.psychinterview.com/
The Psych Interview online courses offer high-quality training to help you improve your psychiatric interview skills through self-study.
🌐Psych Scene Online: THE ONLINE COURSES TO HELP YOU SUCCEED
https://ranzcpexams.psychscene.com/
Learn at your own pace with the RANZCP Written Exam prep online courses.
🌐Psych Scene: THE PSYCHIATRY TRAINING EXPERTS
https://psychscene.com/
Psych Scene offers specialised training and professional development for Psychiatry Trainees, Psychiatrists, General Practitioners and Mental Health Practitioners.
--
📱SOCIALS
Subscribe for weekly videos on Psychiatry and Neuroscience:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/PsychSceneHub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychiatry.excellence/
–
👋 LET’S CONNECT!
Follow Sanil Rege on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanilrege https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKwIw0__a78
