Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Rejection sensitive dysphoria, or the extreme emotional pain linked to feelings of rejection and shame, commonly affects children and adults with ADHD. Use this self-test to determine if your symptoms match those of RSD.1. Do you experience sudden, intense bouts of rage when your feelings are hurt? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 2. Do you experience sudden, intense bouts of extreme sadness when you think you have been rejected or criticized? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 3. Are you your own harshest critic? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 4. Do you feel anxious in social situations because you assume that no one likes you? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 5. Do you consider yourself a “people pleaser,” going above and beyond to get on someone’s good side? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 6. Do you pass up opportunities or avoid starting projects because you’re afraid you’ll fail? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 7. Have you been called “overly sensitive” or a “head case” because of your strong emotional reactions? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 8. Do you dedicate more time than is necessary to a project or become perfectionistic to make sure your work has no mistakes (and is above reproach)? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 9. Do you ever experience your emotions as a physical sensation, as though you’ve been punched in the chest or physically “wounded?” Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 10. Do you feel shame about the “lack of control” you have over your emotions? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 11. Before you were diagnosed with ADHD, were you told you might have a mood disorder? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 12. Do you shy away from close friendships or romantic relationships, because you worry that if people “know the real you,” they won’t like you? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 13. Do you assume the worst in commonplace interactions — worrying you will be fired every time your boss calls you in to her office, for instance? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 14. Do you think that you cannot go on feeling this way? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never 15. Do you avoid meeting new people or trying new things because your fear of rejection and criticism is so strong? Very often Often Sometimes Rarely Never Hiddenscore Δ
