Dr Tom Nicholson

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is easily one of the most talked-about topics in the neurodiversity space right now. Often described as the intense emotional pain accompanying actual or perceived criticism, many people describe it as one of the most difficult experiences associated with ADHD.
However, misunderstanding and misinformation on RSD propagated on social media has led to a situation where RSD is presented as "only an ADHD thing". Dr Tom is concerned that this framing not only lacks evidence, but also risks invalidating and dismissing the experiences of RSD for those without ADHD and may be causing indirect harm.
This talk will challenge much of the misinformation surrounding RSD whilst also compassionately validating the lived experience of rejection sensitivity for many. It will bring nuance to the discussion and exploring how RSD links not only to ADHD, but to early life trauma, attachment difficulties, and mental ill health.