Understanding Rejection Sensitivity in ADHD

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a significant challenge faced by individuals with ADHD, stemming primarily from their developmental experiences and exposure to negative criticism during childhood. Research indicates that many people with ADHD have a poor attachment history, leading them to develop intense reactions to perceived rejection due to a lack of secure emotional regulation early in life. This heightened sensitivity is often exacerbated by the environment in which they were raised, which may include elements of neglect or social deprivation, causing them to feel different and primed to react defensively. Consequently, the emotional fallout from perceived rejection can manifest in various forms, including anxiety, anger, depression, or withdrawal from social situations.