Understanding RSD and ADHD: Why Rejection Hits Harder for Some People

Dr. Janina Maschke
Apr 29
3 min read

If you or someone you know has ADHD, you might have noticed that rejection, even the tiniest hint of it, can feel like a punch to the gut. This is not just an overreaction or being "too sensitive." It has a name: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). RSD is an intense emotional response that many people with ADHD experience when they feel rejected, criticized, or even when they think they’ve let someone down.

Let’s break it down and understand why this happens, what it feels like, and how to manage it.

What Is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)?

RSD is a condition where emotional responses to rejection (real or perceived) are extreme. The word "dysphoria" means a state of intense unhappiness or dissatisfaction. When rejection happens, or when a person thinks it might happen, someone with RSD can feel a flood of emotions like shame, sadness, or anger that’s way beyond what most people experience.

It’s important to know that RSD isn’t officially recognized as a standalone diagnosis. Instead, it’s often discussed as a part of living with ADHD, though people without ADHD might experience it, too.

Why Does RSD Happen More Often in People with ADHD?

People with ADHD have brains that process emotions differently. Here are a few reasons why they might be more prone to RSD:

Heightened Emotional Sensitivity: ADHD affects the brain’s emotional regulation centers. This makes both good and bad feelings more intense.
Past Experiences: Many people with ADHD grow up hearing criticism about being “too loud,” “to forgetful,” or “to disorganized.” Over time, this can make them more sensitive to even small amounts of feedback.
Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitters like dopamine, which help regulate mood and emotions, don’t work the same way in ADHD brains. This can amplify emotional reactions.

What does RSD feel like?

Imagine you’re at school or work, and someone gives you a strange look.

Your brain might go into overdrive:

Did I say something wrong?
Do they not like me anymore?
I’m so bad at this. Why did I even try?

These thoughts can spiral fast, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, or even angry. For some, it might feel like their whole world is crashing down, even if the rejection was small or imagined.

How Can You Manage RSD?

While RSD can feel like a rollercoaster, there are ways to handle it. Here’s what might help:

Understand What’s Happening: Recognizing that your feelings are linked to RSD can be empowering. It’s not "all in your head," but understanding it can help you take a step back.
Talk to Someone: Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help you process them more calmly.
Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that making mistakes or facing rejection doesn’t define your worth. It’s part of being human.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can help you slow down your thoughts and reduce emotional intensity.
Medication or Therapy: Some people find that ADHD medications or therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help with emotional regulation and RSD.

How Can Friends and Family Help?

If someone you care about experiences RSD, here’s how you can support them:

Be Kind with Your Words: Even casual comments can feel intense to someone with RSD, so choose your words thoughtfully.
Listen Without Judging: Let them express their feelings without trying to "fix" them immediately.
Reassure Them: Simple statements like "I’m not upset with you" or "You didn’t do anything wrong" can go a long way.

Why It Matters

Understanding RSD can make a big difference in how we approach emotions, relationships, and even our self-esteem. If you live with ADHD, knowing about RSD might explain a lot of what you’ve been feeling. If you don’t, it might help you understand the struggles of someone who does.

Above all, remember that feeling intensely isn’t a weakness. It’s part of what makes people with ADHD passionate, empathetic, and creative. By learning about RSD and how to manage it, you can turn this sensitivity into a strength, one that connects you more deeply with the world around you.

Do you have personal experiences with RSD or ADHD? Feel free to share your story or tips in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!