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What questions should be asked when seeking help for RSD in ADHD? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) can make everyday interactions feel emotionally overwhelming, especially for people living with ADHD. Although it is not a formal diagnosis, clinicians now recognise RSD as part of emotional dysregulation, a well-documented feature in NICE ADHD guidance (NG87). Understanding what to ask during a medical or therapy consultation can make a big difference in getting the right support. 

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Preparing for your appointment 

Before speaking to a GP, psychiatrist, or therapist, it helps to note specific patterns of rejection or criticism that cause distress. The NHS and YoungMinds recommend describing real examples of how emotional sensitivity affects relationships, work, or confidence. Bringing written notes or a mood diary can help professionals identify whether RSD-like symptoms are part of your ADHD presentation. 

Key questions to ask your clinician 

When seeking help for RSD within ADHD care, these evidence-based questions can guide your discussion: 

Assessment and diagnosis 

  1. “Can I be referred for an ADHD assessment following the NICE pathway?” 
  1. “Does my local service consider emotional regulation or RSD symptoms as part of assessment?” 

Therapy and coping strategies 

  1. “Are CBT or DBT approaches available for emotional dysregulation?” 
  1. “Can mindfulness or emotion regulation training be included in my care plan?” 

Medication and review 

  1. “Will ADHD medication help with emotional sensitivity as well as attention?” 
  1. “How will progress be reviewed, and what should I expect from follow-up care?” 

Support networks 

  1. “Which national or local organisations offer support for rejection sensitivity?” 
  1. “What should I do if my referral takes time to come through?” 

These questions are based on guidance from ADHD UK and align with the NICE NG87 recommendations for shared decision-making. 

Therapeutic options and resources 

Recent studies in Frontiers in Psychiatry (2024) and Counselling and Psychotherapy Research (2025) show that tailored CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based therapies can help people manage emotional triggers and build resilience to perceived rejection. For structured emotional coaching, services like Theara Change provide educational behavioural programmes that complement NHS and NICE-approved approaches to emotion regulation. Meanwhile, charities such as Mind UK, ADHD Foundation, and ADHD UK offer free resources, webinars, and self-management tools. 

Takeaway 

When seeking help for RSD in ADHD, being prepared with clear questions and examples helps clinicians tailor support more effectively. Ask about therapy options, medication, and coping strategies, and use trusted NHS and charity resources to stay informed. With the right combination of self-awareness, structured therapy, and professional guidance, it is possible to reduce the emotional impact of rejection sensitivity and improve day-to-day wellbeing. 

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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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