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Rejection sensitivity sounds like a minor emotional problem that’s easy to overcome. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Yes, some kids are naturally more sensitive than others. And they all occasionally face challenging situations where they’re rejected, ridiculed, criticized, or ignored. But that doesn’t mean they have rejection sensitivity.
Rejection sensitivity affects most children with ADHD, causing sudden, intense emotional reactions that are more extreme than warranted by the triggering event.
The emotional fallout affects the child’s social, school, and family life and increases their risk for depression and other mental health disorders.
At THINK Neurology for Kids, we have years of experience helping children with ADHD learn the skills they need to lead successful lives.
You can depend on our team — Shaun S. Varghese, MD, Cristina R. Marchesano, MD, Lorena Herbert, MD, Barbara Kiersz-Mueller, DO, Lauren Weaver, MD, Alicia Walls, MD, Sundeep Mandava, MD, Patricia DeForest DO, Robby Korah, FNP-C, Jennifer E. Martin, CPNP-PC, Tammy DeLaGarza, FNP-C, and Heather King, CPNP-PC — to create a care plan for overcoming rejection sensitivity.
Keep reading to learn about this condition, why so many kids with ADHD struggle with the problem, and how to navigate the challenge.
About rejection sensitivity
Rejection sensitivity has another name: rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD). No matter which term you use, it poses a severe challenge for people with ADHD (as well as those with autism and several other mental health disorders).
Rejection sensitivity means your child experiences extreme emotions when criticized, rejected, or loses someone’s approval or respect. The trigger may be accurate, perceived, or something they anticipate will happen.
The emotional response may also arise from failing to meet expectations, whether those imposed by others or your child’s standards. For example, your child may have an outburst before a test (anticipating they won’t do well) or after getting a B instead of an A.
People with ADHD often describe rejection sensitivity as a severe emotional pain that’s unbearable, overwhelming, devastating, and catastrophic.
Their emotional response occurs suddenly and doesn’t last long. But even after the outburst ends, your child carries the emotional stress, frequently thinking about what happened and feeling shame or guilt over their reaction.
Rejection sensitivity symptoms
Your child may have an internal or external response. An external response comes in the form of rage, a meltdown, or possibly an anxiety attack.
Children who internalize their emotions may suddenly become depressed or anxious. Because these emotional reactions are short-lived, they regain balance quickly.
Frequent episodes of internalized rejection sensitivity may appear similar to disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and bipolar disorder.
You may notice any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden emotional outbursts
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Avoiding certain social situations
- Harsh, negative self-talk
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty making friends
- Rumination (perseveration)
Children who ruminate keep thinking about their distress long after it occurs. They dwell on the painful feelings they experienced and the underlying cause of their reaction, often creating an ongoing cycle of negative thinking.
Why ADHD is linked with rejection sensitivity
ADHD develops because of differences in how the brain and nerve connections develop. These changes affect activity in the brain areas supporting attention, planning, organization, short-term memory, and emotional regulation.
Emotional dysregulation means that many children and teens with ADHD find it difficult, if not impossible, to regulate their feelings and control their emotions. Then, they frequently deal with:
- Anger
- Irritability
- Frustration
- Low frustration tolerance
- Temper outbursts
- Mood changes
- Deeply sensitive emotions
Their amplified emotions turn everyday feelings into an intense experience, leading to rejection sensitivity.
Navigating rejection sensitivity and ADHD
Rejection sensitivity and emotional dysregulation won’t improve without caring, professional intervention. Children need medication or behavioral therapy to learn the skills needed to overcome their brain differences and control emotions.
Without help, rejection sensitivity often worsens, taking a devastating toll on a child’s emotional well-being.
The best way to navigate this challenge and to build the support your child needs is to schedule an appointment at THINK Neurology for Kids.
Our specialists accurately diagnose the underlying problem, develop customized treatment, and teach parents techniques for managing their child’s challenges.
Call the office in The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, Austin, San Antonio, or Gulf Coast, Texas, or request an appointment through online booking today.