What Is Rejection Sensitivity?

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RSD is more complex than a single moment of rejection.

RSD operates like an iceberg; visible reactions mask deeper coping strategies.

Becoming aware of patterns and developing new behavioral strategies can promote resilience to rejection.

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), a lesser-known ADHD symptom, affects many of us in the neurodivergent community. But what is it, exactly?

To understand this concept, we look to the work of Dr. William Dodson. He defines RSD as an intense vulnerability to the perception—not necessarily the reality—of being rejected, teased, or criticized by important people in your life.

This isn’t just a matter of "feeling sensitive." It causes extreme emotional pain that can be triggered by a sense of failure or falling short of your own high standards. It’s an experience so intense that it can feel almost physically painful (Mutti-Driscoll, 2024).

Experts are increasingly thinking of RSD as an iceberg. Most people only see what’s happening at the tip, when an emotional outburst occurs, but there is so much more operating below the surface (Mutti-Driscoll, in press).

Above the Surface: The Stress Response

On the surface, we see only the immediate reaction, especially in those with more difficulty controlling their emotional expression. Some describe it as a "white heart rage" or the “depths of despair." In........

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