Does ADHD Increase Sensitivity to Criticism? 

Feeling crushed by criticism, even when it’s gentle or constructive, is a common experience for people with ADHD. This heightened emotional response often called rejection sensitivity, isn’t simply overreacting. It’s rooted in the way the ADHD brain processes emotion, threat, and feedback. 

Why Criticism Feels So Intense 

For individuals with ADHD, feedback often triggers deep feelings of shame, hurt, or frustration. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, this sensitivity stems from differences in attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation the same systems affected by ADHD (RCPsych, 2025). 

People with ADHD may replay or overthink criticism, interpreting it as personal rejection rather than constructive input. These reactions can lead to emotional withdrawal, perfectionism, or defensiveness, patterns linked to rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD), a term describing extreme distress following perceived disapproval. 

What Happens in the Brain 

Recent studies show that emotional hypersensitivity in ADHD is biologically driven: 

• Dopamine and norepinephrine imbalance weakens self-regulation and makes negative feedback feel overwhelming. 

• Amygdala overactivity amplifies emotional threat signals, while reduced prefrontal control limits the brain’s ability to calm down after criticism (Nature Translational Psychiatry, 2025; PubMed, 2025). 

• Lifelong exposure to negative feedback, especially in school or work settings reinforces self-criticism and fear of failure. 

Together, these factors explain why people with ADHD may anticipate rejection or react more strongly to perceived disapproval, even in safe environments. 

NHS and NICE Perspectives 

The NICE Guideline NG87 (2025) recognises emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitivity, and low self-esteem as core aspects of ADHD. It recommends therapy, psychoeducation, and medication review to help individuals manage distress and build resilience (NICE NG87, 2025). 

The NHS England ADHD Taskforce (2025) further highlights the need for early recognition of emotional sensitivity and tailored workplace or educational support to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. 

Coping with Sensitivity to Criticism 

CBT or DBT therapy

Helps reframe feedback, manage shame, and strengthen emotional boundaries. 

Mindfulness and ACT

Encourage self-compassion and acceptance, reducing overthinking. 

Medication

Stimulant or non-stimulant ADHD treatments can stabilise mood and improve impulse control. 

Support networks

Charities such as ADHD UK, Mind, and ADHD Foundation offer group sessions and resources for managing rejection sensitivity. 

The Takeaway 

Sensitivity to criticism isn’t a flaw, it’s a reflection of how ADHD affects emotion and self-worth. With the right tools, therapy, and understanding from others, individuals can learn to process feedback more calmly, protect their confidence, and grow without fear of rejection.