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ADHD Chatter

The Science of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (+ how to hack it) | Dr Jo Perkins and Dr Mark Rackley

Dec 31, 2024
Dr. Jo Perkins and Dr. Mark Rackley, both renowned psychologists specializing in ADHD, dive deep into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). They explore the emotional turmoil and triggers of RSD, emphasizing its links to both ADHD and personal experiences. The discussion reveals fascinating insights about the evolutionary roots of rejection sensitivity and its psychological impacts, including how it can distort self-perception. They also provide valuable strategies for managing emotional reactions and overcoming negative thought patterns.
01:20:55

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Quick takeaways

  • Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) involves intense emotional reactions to perceived rejection, significantly impacting both mental and physical well-being.
  • Social media exacerbates feelings of rejection among individuals with RSD, particularly teenagers, by fostering environments that encourage comparison and exclusion.

Deep dives

Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is characterized as an extreme sensitivity to perceived or actual rejection, leading to intense emotional and physiological responses. Two psychologists discuss how this heightened sensitivity can be felt in the gut, akin to physical pain. A study by Columbia University psychologist Edward Smith reveals that emotional triggers, such as seeing an ex, activate the same brain regions responsible for processing physical pain, indicating that the brain does not differentiate between emotional and physical suffering. This understanding sheds light on why individuals with RSD may experience significant distress from what might seem like minor instances of rejection.

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