OM DENNE EPISODE
Why does a simple comment, a change in someone’s tone, or an unanswered message send your emotions into a spiral that feels impossible to stop?
𝐃𝐫. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐃𝐨𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐧—board-certified adult psychiatrist—returns to Attention Different for another insightful conversation with Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith. This time, they’re 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.
✨Highlights✨
✔️ What Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) means and where the term originated
✔️ Why perceived rejection, criticism, or failure can trigger overwhelming emotional reactions
✔️ How RSD differs from general rejection sensitivity and emotional dysregulation in Dr. Dodson’s framework
✔️ Why rejection can sometimes feel physically painful and difficult to describe
✔️ How repeated criticism can contribute to shame, masking, and feelings of being unlovable
✔️ Why perfectionism, people-pleasing, and avoidance can develop as responses to the fear of rejection
✔️ What researchers and clinicians are still exploring about the relationship between RSD, ADHD, and trauma
✔️ How Dr. Dodson approaches medication, emotional balance, and preventing intense episodes
✔️ Why recognizing the early signs of an emotional spiral can help you respond differently
“𝑃𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐴𝐷𝐻𝐷 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑠. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡.” — 𝐃𝐫. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐃𝐨𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐧
For adults with ADHD who have spent years being told they’re too sensitive, too emotional, or simply overreacting, this conversation provides a different way to understand those experiences. Dr. Dodson’s 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.
💬 Have you ever experienced a moment when a small comment or perceived rejection triggered an overwhelming emotional response? Share your experience in the comments.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:
- 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
Follow Dr. William Dodson
- Website: dodsonadhdtreatment.com/
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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