Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

What is RSD?

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a condition characterised by intense emotional pain triggered by perceived rejection or failure. Key features include:

- Experiencing overwhelming emotional responses to rejection

- Difficulty regulating emotions related to perceived disapproval

- Strong connection to ADHD and potential brain structure differences

Key Characteristics

Symptoms

- Extreme embarrassment and self-consciousness

- Low self-esteem

- Intense emotional reactions to perceived rejection

- People-pleasing behaviours

- Avoiding projects with potential failure

- Perfectionist tendencies to compensate for fear of rejection

 Emotional Dysregulation

RSD involves challenges in emotional regulation, where the brain struggles to manage emotional signals effectively. This results in:

- Difficulty processing neutral interactions

- Overreacting to potential rejections

- Experiencing pain-like intensity from social interactions

Diagnosis and Treatment

 Diagnosis

- Not an officially recognised medical condition

- Often diagnosed alongside ADHD

- Challenging to diagnose due to limited research

Treatment Approaches

1. Medications

   - Alpha-2 receptor agonists

   - Stimulant medications

   - Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medications

2. Psychotherapy

   - Helps manage emotional processing

   - Develops coping strategies

   - Provides emotional regulation techniques

Important Considerations

Risk Factors

- Strongly associated with ADHD

- Potential genetic components

- Higher risk of developing anxiety and depression

Management Strategies

- Seek professional healthcare guidance

- Consistent medication management

- Regular therapy

- Prioritise self-care

- Develop emotional resilience

Outlook

- Not inherently dangerous

- Manageable with proper treatment

- Potential for significant improvement with early intervention

When to Seek Help

Immediate assistance is crucial if experiencing:

- Suicidal thoughts

- Self-harm impulses

- Severe emotional distress

For Parents of Children with RSD

- Early diagnosis is critical

- Understand neurological basis of condition

- Practice patience

- Help child develop emotional resilience

- Seek professional guidance