Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria

An intense, disproportionate emotional response to perceived or actual rejection, criticism, or failure, commonly reported by people with ADHD and often linked to trauma from chronic social rejection and the ongoing stigma of neurodivergence. RSD is not a formal diagnostic category but is widely recognized in ADHD clinical practice and community discourse. Understanding RSD helps practitioners design feedback processes, workplace accommodations, and user experiences that do not unnecessarily trigger disproportionate emotional distress in neurodivergent users.