Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)

Dr. William Dodson first recognized Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) in the 1990s as a mood disorder that causes emotional hypersensitivity. It is related to ADHD.

According to Dr. Willian Dodson, “Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is an intense vulnerability to the perception – not necessarily the reality – of being rejected, teased, or criticized by important people in your life. RSD causes extreme emotional pain that may also be triggered by a sense of failure, or falling short – failing to meet either your own high standards or others’ expectations.”

Ways that people affected by untreated RSD cope:

1. Perfectionism

2. Overachievement

3. People-pleasing to avoid being criticized.

4. Avoidance: avoiding new things, rather than risking failure.

5. Dishonesty: People with RSD might lie to avoid criticism.

6. Being defensive: They push blame away from themselves to avoid accepting failure.

Reducing Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria:

Unfortunately, there is no panacea (cure-all) for RSD. However, there are strategies to help a girl cope:

1. Build self-esteem: Achieve small successes. People with RSD have trouble accepting criticism and failure. Success builds self-esteem and, over time, can help girls manage their RSD.

2. Medication

3. Counseling