Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRSD and ADHD LinkSymptomsTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
RSD and ADHD Link
Symptoms
Treatment
Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) describes an overwhelming emotional response to being criticized or rejected. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more susceptible to RSD.
If you have RSD and ADHD, you may be able to treat the symptoms with lifestyle changes or therapy. Medication may also help you manage intense feelings related to rejection.
The Link Between RSD and ADHD
While the diagnostic criteria for ADHD do not currently include problems with emotional regulation, people with ADHD may experience these issues.
AlthoughRSDcan impact any individual, RSD cases seem to be more common in people with ADHD. The nervous system in many people with ADHD immediately responds to a sense of rejection, whether real or perceived.
In a 2019 study, children aged 10–15 years with ADHD presented high levels of sensitivity when they received feedback as part of a virtual game. Youths with elevated ADHD symptoms exhibited higher sensitivity to peer rejection.
Researchers have noted that difficulty regulating emotions may explain the problems that some children with ADHD experience when socializing.They found that hyperactivity was associated with reacting aggressively to rejection in affected children.
Other studies also report that peer rejection and victimization frequently occur among children with ADHD and may worsen the symptoms of RSD.
Rejection is hard to measure, and some experts may not acknowledge RSD. They may also disregard or misdiagnose it because it can present similarly to other conditions, such asdepression,bipolar disorder,borderline personality disorder, andsocial anxiety.
Is RSD linked to other mental health conditions?RSD also has a connection to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). People with ASD often have trouble reading social cues and difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions. Combined with heightened sensory reactions, this can add up to extreme hypersensitivity to criticism.A review of 75 studies suggests there may be moderate links between RSD and other mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Is RSD linked to other mental health conditions?
RSD also has a connection to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). People with ASD often have trouble reading social cues and difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions. Combined with heightened sensory reactions, this can add up to extreme hypersensitivity to criticism.A review of 75 studies suggests there may be moderate links between RSD and other mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
RSD also has a connection to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). People with ASD often have trouble reading social cues and difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions. Combined with heightened sensory reactions, this can add up to extreme hypersensitivity to criticism.
A review of 75 studies suggests there may be moderate links between RSD and other mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of RSD in ADHD
The symptoms of RSD can vary among individuals, but they may include:
Although symptoms of RSD can mimic other conditions, one distinguishing factor is that symptoms of RSD in ADHD tend to come on suddenly and can feel very intense.
What Is Rejection Sensitivity?
Treating RSD in ADHD
There are no FDA-approved medications for RSD, but some may be prescribed off-label or for other conditions. Two types of medicine that appear to help with symptoms of RSD include:
Therapy can help manage symptoms of ADHD.Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), a type of talk therapy that teaches coping techniques, is often recommended for RSD. In CBT you’ll learn how to handle stressful situations, resolve relationship conflicts, and improve communication.
Practicing self-care and adopting relaxation and stress-relief techniques can help you manage feelings of discomfort from RSD. Telling friends and family about RSD in ADHD can help them be more understanding when you have an emotional reaction to something they say or do.
Summary
Many people with ADHD experience RSD—an intense emotional reaction to being rejected or criticized. While RSD is not always clinically recognized, it’s very real for the person experiencing it.
There’s still a lot we don’t know about RSD, so more research is needed in this area.
While there is no cure, treatment may help you manage your symptoms. Helpful ways to manage RSD with ADHD may include medication, cognitive behavior therapy, and stress-relief strategies.
11 Sources
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