Rejection sensitivity is a mental health term relatively new to my vocabulary. It might be new to you too. So, I thought it would be useful to briefly explore, with the help of external web links, what it is and its dynamics and impacts.

Rejection sensitivity generally refers to being particularly sensitive to social rejection. 

Hypersensitivity to social rejection may lead to/be classified as rejection sensitive dysphoria or RSD. Rejection sensitivity is not a mental health diagnosis. but rather a trait that individuals can range in from low to high. 

Certain mental health conditions are associated with intense rejection sensitivity. For example, rejection sensitivity has been linked with conditions like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), depression, autism, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and body dysmorphic disorder.

Treatment for rejection sensitivity and related mental health conditions is available. Counseling and/or medication may aid individuals in managing related symptoms. Please reach out to the Mindful Counseling Center if you are interested in counseling.

See the below links to learn more.

General

• Rejection Sensitivity | Psychology Today
• Rejection Sensitivity vs. RSD, Signs, Building Resilience (verywellhealth.com)
• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments (verywellhealth.com)
• GoodTherapy | More Than ‘Thin-Skinned’: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Connection with Various Mental Health Conditions

• How ADHD Ignites Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (additudemag.com)
• How to Deal with Rejection Sensitivity – YouTube
• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and Autism: Is There a Link? – Autism Parenting Magazine
• Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder Triggers (verywellmind.com)
• Are Your Anxiety And Depression Caused By Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria? | BetterHelp
• Rejection sensitivity higher among patients with body dysmorphic disorder (healio.com)

By Kristin Littel