Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Test

What Is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is an intense, often overwhelming emotional response to perceived or actual rejection, criticism, failure, or teasing. The term was popularized by ADHD specialist William Dodson, MD, and is increasingly recognized as a common and highly impairing feature of ADHD, particularly in adults.

The emotional pain of RSD is typically described as sudden, extreme, and disproportionate to the trigger. Unlike borderline personality disorder's fear of abandonment (which is chronic and pervasive), RSD episodes are typically brief, lasting minutes to hours, but can be devastatingly intense while occurring.

RSD is not yet a formal DSM-5-TR diagnosis, but it is widely discussed in clinical ADHD literature and is increasingly studied as a distinct feature of emotional dysregulation in neurodivergent populations.

RSD Symptom Reflection

Rate how often each statement applies to you in general. Consider your overall pattern, not just recent events.

Endorsed patterns (rated 4–5):

Core Features of RSD

RSD vs Similar Conditions

The ADHD–RSD Connection

RSD is thought to arise from the same dysregulation of the norepinephrine and dopamine systems that underlies ADHD attention and impulse control difficulties. The emotional dysregulation in ADHD, including RSD, is neurologically driven, not a character flaw.

of adults with ADHD report RSD-like symptoms in clinical settings (clinical survey data)

most impairing ADHD feature for many adults, above inattention and hyperactivity

typical RSD episode duration, but can be triggered multiple times daily

Treatment Approaches

Track Emotional Dysregulation Clinically

HiBoop helps ADHD and mental health practices monitor emotional dysregulation alongside core ADHD symptoms, providing a complete picture of treatment response over time.