Signs of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

While no one enjoys rejection or failure, those with rejection sensitive dysphoria may exhibit symptoms such as:

• Being easily embarrassed or ashamed
• Having an emotional outburst and getting angry when they feel rejected
• Setting impossibly high standards for themselves
• Experiencing low self-esteem
• Feeling anxious, especially in social settings
• Having issues with relationships
• Avoiding social situations and other people
• Feeling like a failure because they haven’t lived up to others’ expectations
• Thinking about hurting themselves after experiencing rejection

 

It is important to note, some of these symptoms are also common in other mental health conditions, such as:

• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Depression
• Social phobia

 

This mental health condition can look like other mental health conditions, so it is important to get the right diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, psychotherapist, counselor, doctor, or other mental health provider. There is  a causal link between having adult ADHD and experiencing any of these symptoms, so consider seeking a more immediate diagnosis.

 

Causes of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Those who have RSD are extremely sensitive to perceived rejection and triggered by certain situations – but the exact reason for this is not yet fully understood. Like many mental health issues, there is not one single factor that causes this rejection sensitivity, but rather, it is often a history of trauma – rejection and neglect early in life – as well as genetics that play a role.

Some people are genetically predisposed to RSD, and it can be passed down in families. In other instances, someone with RSD may have experienced a parent or caretaker who is overly critical or neglectful. In these situations, it’s likely that trauma may have contributed to the sufferer’s low self-esteem, intense fear of rejection, anxiety, and of abandonment in their relationships. Other situations can also cause an extreme sensitivity to rejection, including being bullied by peers or a romantic partner.

 

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and ADHD

While rejection sensitive dysphoria can impact anyone, research suggests some groups are much more susceptible to those feelings. Often, people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are very sensitive to what other people think or say about them, with up to 99% of teens and adults with ADHD reporting they are more sensitive to rejection.

ADHD involves the nervous system overreacting to stimuli from the outside world. Thus almost any type of perceived rejection can trigger a stress response and cause extreme emotional reactions. In fact, researchers estimate by age 12, children with ADHD get 20,000 more negative messages about themselves than other children their age, chipping away at their self-esteem. The criticism or rejection can be imagined, but it is often based on real feedback because of their condition.

 

How to Diagnose Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

A doctor must first rule out if the rejection sensitive dysphoria is connected to an underlying mental health issue when determining if a person has the condition. This is because its symptoms are also common in other mental health issues. To assess symptoms, be sure to seek a professional diagnosis from a licensed counselor, psychologist, psychotherapist, or other mental health professional.

During the initial consultation, a doctor may ask about family history and symptoms. A person will likely answer questions about how they react and feel in certain situations. There are also online self-tests to help determine if a person’s symptoms match those of RSD.

Some of the screening questions may include:

• Do you experience sudden, intense feelings of rage when your feelings are hurt?
• Do you experience sudden depression when you feel rejected or criticized?
• Are you your harshest critic?
• Do you feel anxious in social situations because you assume no one likes you?
• Are you a “people pleaser” who goes above and beyond to get on someone’s good side?
• Do you think that you cannot go on feeling this way?

Treating Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

While there is not a cure for this condition, there are treatment opportunities. The best treatment options for rejection sensitive dysphoria depend on two primary factors:

• the intensity of your symptoms
• if there is overlap with other disorders

 

Medication

Medication may be prescribed to help calm a person’s physiological reactions to rejection and also relieve associated symptoms such as hyperactivity and depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Besides medication, cognitive behavioral therapy can also help reduce a person’s hypersensitivity and help them cope with rejection and criticism. During cognitive behavioral therapy, an individual works with a licensed professional therapist in a highly structured way to help develop specific, actionable coping techniques. The focus is placed on treating a person’s problems by managing dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns.

Stress management

Better managing life’s stress can also help treat RSD, as a person is more likely to have an emotional reaction to rejection if they are stressed out. Be sure to eat well, get enough sleep and participate in physical exercise to help promote a calm mind.

There is promise in treating rejection sensitive dysphoria – and the first step is awareness. Although rejection sensitive dysphoria is linked to ADHD and some other mental health conditions, anyone can experience extreme emotional sensitivity at being criticized or rejected. Over time, symptoms will get worse if they are not treated, making it essential to start the conversation with a mental health professional if intense or overwhelming emotional reactions do occur when you experience rejection.

If you’re looking for immediate help with your rejection sensitive dysphoria, consider speaking with an online therapist — a convenient way to start feeling better fast.