Reacting to Criticism and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria

When receiving criticism, individuals with ADHD may have heightened sensitivity and react defensively or angrily. This can be triggered by a rejection trigger, leading to overwhelming emotions. The amygdala, the emotional command center, gets hijacked, activating the fight, flight, or freeze response. The response varies among individuals, experiencing deep pain, anxiety, rage, or sadness. It may even be misdiagnosed as a mood disorder. Instead of responding defensively or angrily, it is important to respond effectively. Valid criticism should be acknowledged, finding truth in the statement, and learning from it. Inaccurate criticism can be addressed by agreeing in part, using techniques like fogging or agreeing with the principle behind the criticism. Asking questions for clarification and practicing new responses are also effective strategies in dealing with criticism.