RSD May Be 'Common' With ADHD – Here Are Its Symptoms

Person who feels rejectedRejection-sensitive dysphoria, or RSD, is not an officially recognised diagnosis, the Cleveland Clinic says. But it is sometimes used in connection with formal diagnoses, like ADHD.“This condition is linked to ADHD and experts suspect it happens due to differences in brain structure,” the Cleveland Clinic adds.ADHD resource ADDITUDE calls RSD a “common ADHD trait”, though experts are in disagreement about whether it’s a trait or side effect. Nonetheless, a 2024 paper suggested a strong relationship between the two.So, what exactly is RSD? RSD is an extreme sensitivity to feelings of rejection. The term’s last word, “dysphoria”, comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning “uncomfortable” or “hard to bear”.Cleveland Clinic says: “While rejection is something people usually don’t like, the negative feelings that come with RSD are stronger and can be harder to manage or both.“People with RSD are also more likely to interpret vague interactions as rejection and may find it difficult to control their reactions.”For those with RSD, something which might be a throwaway comment for one person can come across as a hostile, hurtful insult. It may be linked to issues with emotional regulation, which neurodivergent people and those with personality disorders might struggle with more.What are the signs of RSD?People-pleasing, overreacting to perceived rejection, and struggling to interpret vague or neutral interactions as anything other than bad are common signs, the Cleveland Clinic says.Feeling easily embarrassed or self-conscious, having low self-esteem, avoiding projects or tasks that include a risk of failure, and being preoccupied with perfection can also be symptoms. It may be passed down genetically. NHS Devon Partnership Trust writes that while “people with ADHD might identify with the definition of RSD... it won’t be given as a diagnosis in the UK”. But while you are unlikely to receive a formal RSD diagnosis, you should speak to a doctor if you’re experiencing persistent difficulties with: attention, mood, focus, sensory processing, social interactions, or learning that disrupt your day-to-day life.According to private medical centre, the Dr Jenni Clinic, talking therapies and emotional regulation techniques might help manage RSD. Some ADHD medications can also support emotional regulation, “reducing the intensity of RSD symptoms”.Related...10 Early Signs Of ADHD In Toddlers Experts Want Parents To KnowWomen With ADHD 'Significantly More Likely' To Have 'Overlooked' Health ConditionWe Have ADHD, So Do Our Kids – Here's How We Get Things Done

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