🧩 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.
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🧩NeurodivergentHow much do you mask?
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❤️HealthIs my anxiety normal?
🧠Mental HealthWhat is your attachment style?
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⚡Brain & CognitionWhat 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.