Why does a simple comment, a change in someoneโs tone, or an unanswered message send your emotions into a spiral that feels impossible to stop?
๐๐ซ. ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐จ๐งโboard-certified adult psychiatristโreturns to Attention Different for another insightful conversation with Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith. This time, theyโre taking a deeper dive into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), a term that has helped many adults with ADHD put words to the overwhelming emotional pain they experience around rejection, criticism, and perceived failure.
Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Dodson explains the origins of RSD, what he believes distinguishes it from other forms of emotional sensitivity, and why it can feel so intense that it affects not only emotions but also the body.
The conversation goes beyond the immediate pain of rejection to examine how years of criticism, unrealistic expectations, and pressure to fit in can shape the way adults with ADHD see themselves. Together, they explore the connections between rejection sensitivity, shame, masking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing, including why some people avoid opportunities, relationships, or challenges altogether rather than risk being rejected. They also discuss ongoing questions about RSD, its possible biological and environmental influences, and the approaches Dr. Dodson uses in his clinical practice to help patients manage its impact.
โจHighlightsโจ
โ๏ธ What Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) means and where the term originated
โ๏ธ Why perceived rejection, criticism, or failure can trigger overwhelming emotional reactions
โ๏ธ How RSD differs from general rejection sensitivity and emotional dysregulation in Dr. Dodsonโs framework
โ๏ธ Why rejection can sometimes feel physically painful and difficult to describe
โ๏ธ How repeated criticism can contribute to shame, masking, and feelings of being unlovable
โ๏ธ Why perfectionism, people-pleasing, and avoidance can develop as responses to the fear of rejection
โ๏ธ What researchers and clinicians are still exploring about the relationship between RSD, ADHD, and trauma
โ๏ธ How Dr. Dodson approaches medication, emotional balance, and preventing intense episodes
โ๏ธ Why recognizing the early signs of an emotional spiral can help you respond differently
โ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐๐กโ ๐ด๐ท๐ป๐ท ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ . ๐โ๐๐ฆ ๐ โ๐๐๐ก ๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ก๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ โ๐๐๐ก.โ โ ๐๐ซ. ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ง
For adults with ADHD who have spent years being told theyโre too sensitive, too emotional, or simply overreacting, this conversation provides a different way to understand those experiences. Dr. Dodsonโs insights explain why certain emotional reactions can feel so overwhelming and how recognizing these patterns can help people understand themselves, navigate relationships, and approach everyday challenges with greater awareness and self-compassion.ย
๐ฌ Have you ever experienced a moment when a small comment or perceived rejection triggered an overwhelming emotional response? Share your experience in the comments.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ:
- Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
- Producer: David Grabowski
- Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
- Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski
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We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.
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