Rejection is not something anyone wants and some people can overcome it easily. For some people, however, rejection or criticism becomes unbearable. This is called rejection-sensitive dysphoria , which is an extreme emotional reaction to rejection, exclusion, negative thoughts or ridicule. It is an important disorder that can lead to depressive feelings and a decrease in self-esteem.
According to experts, this condition is linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and is thought to be caused by changes in brain structure. These changes in the brain mean that the brain is unable to regulate emotions and behaviors related to rejection. Therefore, these individuals react excessively to any negative reaction, thought, criticism or rejection.
What are the Symptoms of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?
The emotions experienced in the face of rejection, criticism and negative reactions are very intense and sudden. While negatively affecting the person's daily life, it can cause serious problems in family, environment, work and social relationships. Symptoms of dysphoria sensitive to rejection and some behavioral characteristics of these people can be listed as follows:
- Low self-esteem
- Constant fear of rejection
- Misunderstanding and misinterpreting constructive criticism
- Sudden bouts of anger, rage or crying in the face of rejection
- Feelings of anxiety and apprehension in social situations
- Having problems in relationships
- Avoidance and avoidance of social situations
- Desire to self-harm in the face of rejection
- Feeling unsuccessful if expectations are not met
- Unwillingness to engage in business with the possibility of failure
- Setting very difficult goals for themselves
There are also some psychological conditions and disorders in which these symptoms occur. The different conditions in which such conditions are common are as follows:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Personality disorders
- Mood disorders
- Social phobia
This condition, which is among the psychological disorders, is important to be examined by mental health experts as it is similar to different health problems.
What are the Causes of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?
The causes of rejection-sensitive dysphoria are not known exactly. According to research, this condition is caused by some problems and differentiations related to the structure of the brain. In addition, since this disorder is linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it is also thought to be caused by similar causes to ADHD.
It is also thought to be caused by trauma, emotional neglect and genetic factors. Some people are inherited to be more sensitive and prone to rejection. This can be passed down through the family. In other cases, the individual may have grown up and lived with a family or caregiver who was intensely critical or neglectful.
The traumas experienced in such situations can lead to low self-esteem, excessive fear of rejection, anxiety and fear and feeling of abandonment in relationships. Some bullying or negative events that the person has experienced among his/her peers or in relationships may also be among the causes of this condition.
Rejection Dysphoria and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Rejection-sensitive dysphoria can occur at any age or gender. However, research shows that some groups are more sensitive and prone to these conditions. Often people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are very sensitive to what other people think or say about them. About 99 percent of people with ADHD are more sensitive and susceptible to rejection.
ADHD involves a nervous system that reacts very strongly to external stimuli. For this reason, almost all situations of rejection can trigger a stress response in the person and lead to a lot of emotional reactions.
According to studies, children with ADHD up to the age of 12 receive more than 20,000 negative criticisms about themselves compared to their peers, which is very damaging to self-esteem.
How is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Diagnosed?
Since it is not an officially recognized medical condition, scientific studies and research on this condition are also limited. In order for a specialist to diagnose this condition, different similar psychological problems must first be ruled out. The reason for this is that the symptoms are also common in different psychological problems.
Such disorders should be evaluated by specialized psychologists, psychotherapists or other mental health professionals. The specialist may ask questions to get a detailed medical history and complaints of the person and their family. The diagnosis of rejection-sensitive dysphoria may involve some screenings and the specialist will ask the person some questions. With these questions and some scans, it may be thought that the person has this disorder.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Treatment
Although there is no definitive treatment for rejection-sensitive dysphoria, there are some approaches that can improve the condition and control symptoms. These approaches can be used alone or at the same time. Depending on the intensity of the symptoms and their similarity to other disorders, treatment can be planned. Treatment methods are as follows:
Medication
Medication prescribed by specialists is one of the main ways to help a person control their reactions. It can also be similar to medication prescribed to alleviate related conditions such as ADHD and depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
In addition to medication, cognitive behavioral therapy can help the individual reduce hypersensitivity and cope with rejection and criticism. Coping techniques are taught to the individual and their thought patterns are changed.
Stress Management
It increases the likelihood of emotional reactions to rejection in stressful situations. In stress management, the person is taught how to cope with stress and how to react in stressful situations.