
Rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) is a severe emotional response to rejection, whether real or perceived, in the form of extreme rage or overwhelming hopelessness.
Of course, rejection hurts, and it is normal to feel sad about it. But while most people are able to recover and move on with their lives, some people experience overwhelmingly intense emotions and dwell on negative thoughts to the point of depression.
People with RSD may feel humiliated, develop low self-esteem, avoid social situations, and have an extreme fear of failure.
What causes rejection sensitivity dysphoria?
Experts believe RSD has no single cause but is the result of a combination of multiple factors. For example, people with anxiety disorders or attention-deficit hypersensitivity disorder (ADHD) tend to experience RSD more than other people.
Additionally, genetics may be involved, as RSD can run in families. Rejection sensitivity dysphoria has also been seen to affect more with people with a history of:
- Parental neglect in childhood
- Bullying by schoolmates
- Criticism by spouse or partner
How is rejection sensitivity dysphoria treated?
Rejection sensitivity dysphoria cannot be cured, but people who are affected can learn techniques that can help them deal with their issues. A psychiatrist or therapist may recommend treatment depending on how severe or intense the symptoms are and if they have any other mental conditions.
- Medications: Medications can help regulate physical responses to rejection and improve mood. Commonly prescribed medications include:
- Intuniv (guanfacine) and Kapvay (clonidine)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as Parnate (tranylcypromine)
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective form of psychotherapy that can help teach people with RSD how to deal with rejection and criticism. CBT involves working with a therapist who conducts several sessions over the span of 6 months to a year. The aim is to correct thought patterns and behaviors that trigger emotional outbursts.
- Stress management: Stress can intensify RSD. It is important to get adequate rest and sleep, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and engage in relaxing activities such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, walking, or other hobbies you enjoy.

SLIDESHOW
17 Everyday Ways to Ease Depression See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
More Than ‘Thin-Skinned’: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/more-than-thin-skinned-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-1130197
What Is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria? https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
Top What Is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria Feel Like Related Articles
ADHD Symptoms: What Makes Them Worse?
ADHD symptoms get worse with bad habits. Watch your lifestyle so hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, fidgeting, inattention, and other symptoms associated with an attention deficit hyperactivity diagnosis do not get worse.Adult ADHD Slideshow
Most people don't associate adults with the term ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) but it is a common disorder in adulthood. Learn about symptoms, tests, treatment and medications for ADHD.ADHD in Children: Understanding, Discipline and Better Parenting
ADHD is a common disorder seen in children. Parents can learn tips and techniques to teach children life skills, coping mechanisms, and better ways to learn with ADHD.Childhood ADHD Quiz
Find out causes, symptoms, and treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a widespread behavioral condition commonly seen in children. Take the Childhood ADHD Quiz.Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
About 2%-6% of adults have ADHD, a common behavioral problem. Symptoms include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Treatment may involve ADHD education, attending a support group, skills training, and medication.Adult ADHD Quiz
What are the symptoms of adult ADHD? Take this quiz to learn what it means for an adult to suffer from ADHD and what can be done about it.How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treat Depression?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) uses cognitive strategies to help people change patterns in the way they think and behavioral strategies to help people change behaviors that aren't helpful. CBT can help people with mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder.Stress-Reducing Foods
While there are many ways to cope with stress, one strategy is to eat stress-fighting foods. Find out which foods to eat as part of a stress management diet.Mental Health
Mental health is an optimal way of thinking, relating to others, and feeling. All of the diagnosable mental disorders fall under the umbrella of mental illness. Depression, anxiety, and substance-abuse disorders are common types of mental illness. Symptoms and signs of mental illness include irritability, moodiness, insomnia, headaches, and sadness. Treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication.Stress Management Techniques
Stress may be considered as any physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental unrest and that may be a factor in disease causation. Managing stress in our lives is important. Elimination of stress is unrealistic, since stress is a part of normal life. We can however, learn to manage stress through techniques such as exercise, relaxation, meditation, time management, and support systems so that we have control over our stress and its effects on our physical and mental health.What Are the Ten Symptoms of ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a medical condition that affects a person’s behavior.What Are the Types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy. It helps people manage their emotional and behavioral problems by changing the way they perceive the world and react to it.What Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Involve?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective psychotherapy. It involves various steps that help you overcome or deal with your negative thoughts. It is a common form of therapy used for treating various mental health conditions, especially depression.What Is the Best Treatment for ADHD in Adults?
The best treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves a combination of medication, education, skills training, and psychological counseling.What Is the Meaning of Being Sensitive?
Sensitivity is a broad term used to describe one’s response to the environment, either physical or emotional. For example, sensitivity to cold means there is a decreased tolerance to cold, sensitivity to pain means a person has a relatively lower pain threshold, and sensitivity to pollen means developing an allergic reaction to pollen. This is the same with emotions.What Kind of Drugs Are Mood Stabilizers?
Mood stabilizers are a type of psychiatric drug used to help treat bipolar disorder and other conditions that cause extreme mood swings.