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　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: RSD Written by Karen Sottosanti Karen Sottosanti is a writer and editor who works in educational publishing. Karen Sottosanti Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Jan 23, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What is rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "RSD is a feeling of severe emotional pain that occurs in response to rejection, criticism, or failure, whether real or perceived. It is closely associated with ADHD but can affect those without it." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " How does RSD affect individuals emotionally and physically? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "RSD affects emotional regulation, leading to decreased self-esteem and reactions of anxiety, rage, or sadness in the context of triggering events. It can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances because of chronic emotional distress." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What are some behaviors associated with RSD? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Individuals affected by RSD may become perfectionists or people pleasers to avoid rejection. They may also avoid challenges because of fear of criticism or failure, which can impact relationships and performance at school or work." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What treatments are available for RSD? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Treatment for RSD often includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy can help affected persons learn to manage pain and emotions, while medications, such as stimulants and antidepressants, can help with emotional regulation and the management of depression and anxiety." } } ] } Top Questions What is rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)? RSD is a feeling of severe emotional pain that occurs in response to rejection, criticism, or failure, whether real or perceived. It is closely associated with ADHD but can affect those without it.

　　How does RSD affect individuals emotionally and physically? RSD affects emotional regulation, leading to decreased self-esteem and reactions of anxiety, rage, or sadness in the context of triggering events. It can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances because of chronic emotional distress.

　　What are some behaviors associated with RSD? Individuals affected by RSD may become perfectionists or people pleasers to avoid rejection. They may also avoid challenges because of fear of criticism or failure, which can impact relationships and performance at school or work.

　　What treatments are available for RSD? Treatment for RSD often includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy can help affected persons learn to manage pain and emotions, while medications, such as stimulants and antidepressants, can help with emotional regulation and the management of depression and anxiety.

　　rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), a feeling of severe emotional pain in response to rejection, criticism, or failure, whether real or perceived. RSD is closely associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), though it can affect persons who are not diagnosed with ADHD. It is not formally recognized as a clinical diagnosis in the text revision of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (2022). The term dysphoria describes a profound state of unease or dissatisfaction, and in RSD it refers to extreme emotional pain that occurs when an affected individual feels rejected, ridiculed, or criticized. Indeed, those ...(100 of 519 words)

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