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What questionnaires are used to evaluate RSD in ADHD? 

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ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Although Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is not a formal diagnosis, clinicians do explore emotional sensitivity and rejection-related distress when assessing people for ADHD. There are currently no official questionnaires designed specifically for RSD, but several validated tools are used to evaluate the emotional dysregulation that RSD represents. 

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Tools used in ADHD assessments 

According to the NICE guideline NG87 (2025), clinicians should assess emotional and behavioural symptoms as part of a comprehensive ADHD evaluation. While there is no RSD-specific test, the following questionnaires help professionals explore related emotional traits: 

  • Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) – measures emotional impulsivity, frustration tolerance, and self-concept 
  • Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS) – assesses emotional self-regulation and control over impulses 
  • Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) – evaluates how well individuals manage and recover from emotional distress 
  • Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) – includes screening items for impulsivity and emotional symptoms that may overlap with RSD 

These tools help identify patterns of emotional reactivity that can resemble rejection sensitivity, even though none diagnose RSD directly. 

What research and clinical guidance show 

Studies published in Frontiers in Psychiatry (2022–2025) link emotional sensitivity in ADHD to reduced prefrontal control of amygdala activity, explaining why some individuals experience stronger emotional responses to social cues (Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2022). The NHS England ADHD Taskforce Report (2025) also encourages clinicians to assess emotional regulation and self-esteem as part of ADHD diagnosis and management, particularly where rejection sensitivity impacts daily life. 

Getting help and support 

If you recognise signs of rejection sensitivity or emotional overwhelm, a structured ADHD assessment can help clarify what’s driving these reactions. Alongside NHS options, private services such as ADHD Certify provide full ADHD assessments and post-diagnostic reviews with qualified clinicians in the UK. 

Takeaway  

There are no dedicated questionnaires for RSD, but emotional dysregulation can be evaluated using ADHD assessment tools like the Conners and Barkley scales. These help clinicians understand how emotional sensitivity fits within ADHD and guide tailored support for better emotional balance and self-regulation. 

Discover if you have ADHD
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Author

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

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