Educational reflection

RSD self-reflection

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria refers to an intense, often physically painful emotional response to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. It is widely discussed in adult ADHD circles and is described in the clinical literature on emotional regulation in ADHD. It is not a separate DSM diagnosis. This reflection is for orientation, not diagnosis.

1A small criticism, even constructive, makes me feel devastated for hours or days

2I read tone in messages or emails as colder than the sender probably intended

3I avoid trying new things because failure feels physically painful, not just disappointing

4When someone is annoyed with me, my mind catastrophises about the relationship ending

5I remember rejections from years ago with the same intensity as when they happened

6I spend significant mental energy preparing for criticism that may never come

7I sometimes preempt rejection by withdrawing first

8My emotional response to perceived rejection feels out of proportion to the trigger

9When I feel rejected, I recover quickly once the trigger is removed

10My mood is heavily affected by what other people seem to think of me

No data is collected, transmitted, or stored.

Reading

RSD as a clinical concept was popularised by William Dodson, MD. The underlying pattern is discussed in Brown TE (Smart but Stuck) and Barkley RA (When an Adult You Love Has ADHD) within the broader literature on emotional dysregulation in ADHD.