Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and Men with ADHD (Featuring Jesse J. Anderson)
Why It Matters
Recognizing RSD changes how people with ADHD interpret and manage emotional triggers, which can lower relationship and workplace conflict and inform targeted coaching or therapeutic strategies. Simple interventions like pausing and reframing offer practical, low-cost ways to reduce costly interpersonal fallout.
Summary
Jesse J. Anderson describes living with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) as part of his ADHD, saying perceived rejection hits like physical pain and triggers immediate, intense anger that feels justified in the moment. After learning about RSD, he learned to identify those impulses — notably during an argument with his wife — and use a practiced 'power of the pause' to step away, let the reaction fade, and avoid escalation. He emphasizes unlearning automatic emotional responses, using logical checks (like considering relationship history) and training techniques to manage emotional dysregulation. Anderson frames this self-awareness and pause technique as a core strategy he’s used since his ADHD diagnosis to reduce conflicts and improve responses.
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