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🧩 Neurodivergent
How sensitive are you to rejection?
Measure your rejection sensitivity dysphoria.
Rate each statement 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely). Think about your typical reactions.
1When someone doesn't reply to my message quickly, I assume they're upset with me.
2I feel devastated by even mild criticism.
3I avoid asking for things because I can't handle being told no.
4I replay social interactions in my head, analyzing what I might have done wrong.
5I often feel like I'm not wanted or welcome in a group.
6When someone cancels plans, my first thought is that they don't like me.
7I change my behavior significantly to avoid the possibility of rejection.
8A perceived slight can ruin my entire day or week.
9I have ended relationships preemptively because I was afraid of being rejected first.
10I feel physical pain or intense emotions when I think someone disapproves of me.
What is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria?
Rejection Sensitivity (RS) is the tendency to anxiously expect, readily perceive, and intensely react to rejection. The RSQ (Downey & Feldman 1996) is the standard research measure. RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria) is especially common in ADHD.
Score interpretation
- 10-18: Low RS — you handle rejection well
- 19-28: Moderate — normal sensitivity to social cues
- 29-38: High RS — rejection triggers intense emotional responses
- 39-50: Very high — consistent with RSD, common in ADHD
Key research
- Rejection activates the same brain regions as physical pain (Eisenberger et al. 2003, fMRI)
- RSD affects an estimated 99% of people with ADHD at some point (Dodson 2019)
- High RS predicts social withdrawal, aggression, and depression
- Women with high RS are more likely to stay in unhealthy relationships
- RSD episodes can look like mood disorder but are triggered, not random
Sources: Downey & Feldman (1996, RSQ), Eisenberger et al. (2003, fMRI), Dodson (2019), Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.