Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: Symptoms, Triggers & Support

Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is a strong emotional reaction to what a person thinks is failure, criticism, or rejection. One of these feelings can be very strong. These things can make someone really sad or lose control of what they’re doing.

Research has shown that RSD is not a real mental illness, but people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to have it. Find out more about RSD. It can help people and groups better understand how they feel. It tells you how to get help too.

This article will talk about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. It will talk about how it shows up in everyday life, and its link to ADHD and emotional dysregulation. And how We Level Up Washington offers support and treatment options for RSD.

What Is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?

Rejection sensitive dysphoria is a term for strong emotional reactions to real or imagined rejection. A person with RSD ADHD may feel shameness, sadness, anger, or panic when criticized. The emotional pain can be so intense that it is hard to handle.

Here are some common signs of RSD:

• Strong feelings of rejection or shame.
• Sudden mood swings after feedback or judgment
• Emotional outbursts or shutting down feelings.
• Trying hard to please others to avoid rejection
• Stay away from situations where you might face criticism.

People with ADHD often find it hard to control their emotions. This can cause strong emotional reactions, like those in RSD.

RSD is not an official diagnosis. Still, many experts believe it is a real problem. This is especially true for people with ADHD.

What Causes RSD?

The exact causes of rejection sensitive dysphoria are still being studied. However, some key factors play a role in it.

• People with ADHD may have differences in parts of the brain that help control emotions.
• Genetics can make people sensitive to rejection. Bad experiences in childhood, like bullying or criticism, can cause this sensitivity later in life.
• Other mental health conditions: People with personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, may show signs of RSD.

People with ADHD may have faced issues in school, friendships, or work. These past problems can raise their fear of failure or rejection. This can make them feel more emotionally sensitive.

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Trouble controlling your emotions and RSD

RSD is a lot like emotional instability. When someone has trouble dealing with their feelings from everyday life, this can happen. It might be hard for people with ADHD to keep their feelings in check. This is especially true when they are upset or worried.

Emotional instability includes a lot of different emotional problems. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria looks at how people feel when they are criticized or turned down. Both situations change the way people deal with their feelings. They also change how people act around other people.

Knowing How to Spot RSD

There is a symptom test to spot RSD. People with RSD may experience the following.

• Quick emotional shifts after perceived criticism
• Deep feelings of failure, even when others don’t see a problem
• High levels of self-doubt or fear of not being liked
• Strong reactions such as crying, yelling, or avoiding others
• Trouble trusting others due to fear of being hurt or judged

Adults with RSD may feel they are “too emotional.” Children with ADHD might act out or avoid social situations. They do this to protect themselves from rejection.

RSD Compared to Mood Disorders

RSD can look similar to mood disorders, but there are key differences:

• RSD is trigger-based: When someone feels rejected, they react emotionally. Depression usually doesn’t go away, no matter what.
• RSD is intense but short-lived: Once the emotional trigger is removed, the person may recover quickly. Mood disorders tend to last longer.
• What’s going on affects the emotional pain in different ways. Mood issues and RSD signs might not be connected. Trouble with your mood and RSD are two different things that can happen at the same time. Like, people with RSD may also worry, feel down, or have mood swings.

How to Treat ADHD and RSD

The only way to get rid of RSD is to treat it. Help, medicine, and therapy often work well together for many people. These techniques can help you deal with mental stress in a healthy way.

Therapy Approaches

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals change negative thoughts and behaviors associated with rejection sensitivity.
• DBT: DBT is an approach that teaches individuals to regulate their emotions, cultivate mindfulness, and develop practical skills for maintaining healthy relationships.
• Support groups offer a safe place for people to share their stories. Members can learn from others facing similar challenges.

Medication Options

• Stimulant ADHD medications: These help with impulse control and attention span. They are often used for ADHD and can reduce some symptoms of RSD.
• Alpha-2 receptor agonists: These medicines help lower emotional outbursts.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): In some cases, doctors may use these drugs to reduce rejection sensitivity.

You should be careful and talk to a health professional to find the best treatment options.

Living with RSD

People who experience RSD might:

• Intense emotional reactions
• Avoid challenges or leadership jobs because you’re afraid you will fail.
• Have low self-esteem or think they never live up to standards
• Feel a lot of emotional pain after an argument or bad feedback

You may notice changes in your relationships, at work, or at school because of these answers. Help and treatment, on the other hand, can help people learn to better handle their feelings and become stronger.

Support in Spokane Valley for RSD and ADHD

If you or someone you know is having a hard time with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and ADHD, seek help. We Level Up Washington, in Spokane Valley, has treatment programs. These programs support anyone facing emotional issues, sensitivity to rejection, and ADHD symptoms.

Services include:

1. Diagnostic testing for ADHD
2. One-on-one counseling and therapy
3. Strategies to improve daily life
4. Medication reviews and continued support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Even distress that is caused by fear of rejection can be too much. Still, it’s important to remember that being sensitive to other people’s feelings is not a sign of weakness. People with RSD can live full and meaningful lives if they get the right help.

People can begin to heal and grow when they notice their feelings and build strong support systems. You don’t have to do this alone.

We Level Up Washington knows how tough it is to live with RSD, ADHD, and emotional challenges. We are here to provide care, treatment, and hope for your future.

Call us today at (509) 348-4077 to talk with our team, and learn more about our programs. 

Medical Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria
https://reframingautism.org.au/the-unbearable-heartache-of-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24099-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-rsd