Are support groups beneficial for individuals with RSD and ADHD? 

Many people with ADHD experience intense emotional distress after rejection or criticism, often described as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). While RSD itself is not a formal diagnosis, the emotional dysregulation it represents is widely recognised in ADHD care. According to NICE guidance (NG87), support groups and peer-led interventions can play a valuable role in improving emotional resilience and reducing isolation for those managing these challenges. 

Why peer support matters 

Support groups offer more than shared experience, they provide a space for validation, empathy, and emotional safety. People with ADHD often carry a long history of feeling misunderstood or judged, which can heighten rejection sensitivity. Being part of a community where others share similar experiences can reduce shame and encourage self-acceptance. 

The NHS England ADHD Taskforce Report (2025) recommends peer-led and trauma-informed support programmes as part of standard ADHD care. Evidence shows that such groups help individuals build coping skills, regulate emotions, and maintain engagement with treatment and therapy. 

The science of connection 

Peer interaction helps regulate the brain’s stress and reward systems, activating oxytocin pathways linked to trust and social safety. This biological response reduces amygdala hyperreactivity, a key driver of rejection sensitivity in ADHD. 

Studies such as McQuade et al., 2024 and Liu et al., 2023 show that group CBT, peer mentoring, and digital support programmes can reduce emotional dysregulation and loneliness while improving self-esteem and emotional awareness. Participants in these programmes often report feeling more connected, confident, and able to manage rejection without becoming overwhelmed. 

Group environments also encourage social learning. Watching others apply coping strategies, practising self-compassion, and sharing progress create corrective emotional experiences that help reframe self-perception. These changes are especially important for people who have internalised rejection or criticism over time. 

Integrating peer and professional support 

Support groups complement, rather than replace, therapy or medication. NICE and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) recommend combining peer support with structured interventions such as CBT, mindfulness, or coaching to reinforce resilience and long-term self-regulation. 

In the UK, organisations such as Theara Change are developing behavioural programmes that integrate peer connection with emotional skills training and coaching, offering structured yet supportive environments for managing ADHD and rejection sensitivity. 

Takeaway 

Support groups provide an evidence-based, compassionate environment for people with ADHD to understand their emotions, share strategies, and build confidence. By reducing shame and strengthening belonging, peer-led spaces play a vital role in helping individuals manage emotional dysregulation and respond to rejection with resilience rather than distress.