Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is when an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) individual experiences a strong and painful emotional response to perceived or real rejection. RSD can feel like a physical shockwave of fear, embarrassment, and self-doubt. RSD is not a formal diagnosis. It is more so a product of emotional dysregulation, a commonly overlooked trait of ADHD. Many adults with ADHD report that RSD is the most painful part of life with ADHD. Yet, many individuals with ADHD only recently learned they even had ADHD (let alone RSD). And ultimately, it can be hard to manage what you don’t understand. So let’s start answering the question, “What is RSD?”
What Triggers RSD?
Like all things ADHD, how RSD impacts your life is unique to the person, but here are some common situations that trigger RSD:
- When your partner points out a mistake you made
- Texting/messaging with someone and they stop responding
- When others appear disengaged in conversations with you
- Gift giving
- Having to hand in work projects that others will see
- Needing to share how you really feel with a loved one
- Public speaking
What Causes RSD?
Experts are not completely sure what causes RSD. However, because RSD is so common––specifically in ADHD people––many agree that the origins of RSD are in the wirings of the ADHD brain itself (rather than based exclusively on trauma, personality, etc.).
The ADHD Brain
The ADHD brain works differently than the neurotypical brain. For the ADHDer, the frontal lobe of the brain can be a little inconsistent. This part of the brain controls attention, impulse control, organization, effort, and…emotional regulation.
The ADHD Brain and Emotional Dysregulation
Did you know that up to 70 percent of ADHD adults experience emotional dysregulation? This means that many (if not most) ADHD brains will experience larger emotional responses than non-ADHD brains. Emotional dysregulation includes being quick to react, difficulty turning off big emotions (e.g. feeling guilty all day because you interrupted your coworker at lunch), and feeling emotions in a big way (which can lead to feeling misunderstood). This is because the wiring between the frontal lobe often misreads cues from the emotional brain, causing emotions to be experienced differently than if this was not the case.
How does this relate to RSD? Well, RSD causes big emotions which can impact how an ADHDer responds to their emotions with their actions.
How RSD Motivates (or Demotivates) Action
Because emotions play such a strong role in behavior, RSD usually causes one of two actions:
- Avoidance
When an ADHDer has strong fears of criticism or negative feedback, there may be a tendency for avoidance. Avoidance of risk. Avoidance of asking for what you really want or need.
- Overly accommodating to others
Another option is for an ADHDer to overreact to criticism by “putting out fires” (so to speak) through people-pleasing, saying yes, and being permissive to others.
Begin Adult ADHD Treatment in Columbus, Ohio
Looking for more individualized support? You don’t have to feel worried about criticism forever. ADHD-focused therapy that centers around managing RSD in a way that works for you can help you feel good about yourself and your actions. Our counseling practice in Columbus, Ohio has caring therapists who specialize in ADHD testing and ADHD treatment. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Fill out the contact form to schedule a free 15-minute phone
- Meet with one of our caring therapists.
- Stop feeling afraid. Start showing up.
Other ADHD Services Offered at Focused Mind ADHD Counseling
Adult ADHD treatment is not the only service we offer at our Columbus, OH counseling practice. At Focused Mind ADHD Counseling, we offer a variety of mental health services, including ADHD testing. As an adult with ADHD, we know you may also benefit from anxiety treatment for ADHD, counseling for men with ADHD, or depression counseling for ADHD. You can also view our blog for more resources and helpful info!
