Despite having her own company, Jennifer hardly ever hands out business cards. Don’t misunderstand; Jennifer would love to advertise. But something holds her back. She just can’t shake the terror she feels when she envisions possible rejection. As a creative entrepreneur with ADHD, she keeps hearing about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria that makes her feel seen, but wonders if RSD is real or just internet buzz. This blog explores the evidence.
What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?
So what is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria anyway? Great question. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) refers to the emotional pain that follows perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. The term is most specific to those with ADHD. Most experts believe it stems from differences in how the ADHD brain processes and regulates emotions. As a result, reactions to rejection aren’t simply “strong feelings” — they can feel immediate, overwhelming, and difficult to manage. The point is: RSD is real and not a trend.
What the Research Says: Rejection Sensitivity and Mental Health
New research shows that RSD is tied to increases in depression and anxiety, as well as chronic loneliness. If you’ve experienced RSD, this likely won’t come as a surprise. Because you tend to avoid rejection and negative feedback, you also likely hunger for connection and positive reinforcement. Consider the saying: “The greater the risk, the greater the reward.” When it comes to RSD, avoiding risk often means losing out on relationships and opportunities. This makes learning tools for managing RSD important for managing life with ADHD.
Evidence Linking ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity
By now, there have been countless studies linking ADHD and RSD. One study found that RSD is directly related to career stagnation and relationship dissatisfaction. Other studies have uncovered how RSD plays a role earlier in life with ADHD. For example, kids with ADHD often demonstrate high anxiety and anger in the face of rejection, leading to it playing a common role in emotional dysregulation for kids with ADHD.
However, evidence for RSD and ADHD also has limitations. Because RSD is closely tied to a person’s inner emotional experience, it can be hard to study objectively. Moreover, people with ADHD tend to hide their emotions due to strong feelings of embarrassment regarding their emotional reactivity.
How ADHD Therapists Approach RSD
As a Cleveland ADHD therapist, working on RSD is a common part of ADHD management. First and foremost, assessing for RSD is a common line of exploration during ADHD testing and assessment. Once an ADHD diagnosis is confirmed, learning how to deal with rejection-sensitive dysphoria is a common part of any ADHD treatment plan.
While effective RSD management is personalized, there are some common tools used. One is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, a tool that can help reexamine social cues. Because our thoughts impact our emotions and actions, managing negative self-talk and our fear response can expand our perspectives and build more confidence. Another common tool is mindfulness, a skill that helps reduce emotional reactions to RSD.
Future Directions
It’s important to note that RSD is backed by science and is not anyone’s fault. This means you’re not “too sensitive” or “too emotional.” Rather, RSD is another way of experiencing rejection and criticism. And there are many tools that can help you build confidence and feel emotionally safe. However, ongoing research regarding RSD is needed to expand our understanding and improve the range of coping skills available for building a more confident way of living.
Take the First Step Toward ADHD Therapy in Cleveland, OH
If you’ve been researching online ADHD therapy in Cleveland, OH, you likely want a clear, professional explanation of how to manage life with ADHD. Virtual ADHD therapy allows you to get expert insight and personalized therapy without the stress of in-person appointments.
Our ADHD therapy and assessment practice offers online evaluations guided by licensed clinicians who specialize in adult ADHD. We focus on making the process transparent, supportive, and easy to follow, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
Here’s how to get started:
- Submit our contact form to request for ADHD A member of our intake team will reach out to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
- Meet virtually with an ADHD therapist in Cleveland who will walk you through the assessment, discuss your concerns, and gather the necessary clinical information.
- Receive professional feedback and next-step guidance, helping you understand whether ADHD may be affecting your life and what support options are available.
With the right assessment, clarity replaces uncertainty—and meaningful change can begin.
Other Counseling Services at Focused Mind ADHD Counseling in Cleveland, Ohio
Besides ADHD counseling, Focused Mind offers comprehensive mental health services for adults with ADHD. These include ADHD testing, therapy for anxiety and depression counseling for ADHD, counseling for men with ADHD, counseling for women with ADHD, ADHD-informed couples therapy.
We also provide support options for partners of individuals with ADHD, helping relationships grow stronger through education and communication. For continued learning, our blog offers therapist-written resources to help you better understand ADHD and its impact on daily life.
About the Author
Billy Roberts, LISW-S, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and ADHD expert in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in ADD/ADHD in adults. He has been seen in Time Magazine, CNN, HuffPost, and Forbes discussing his unique approach to ADHD-focused therapy.
