People with ADHD often suffer from constant, deeply ingrained feelings of shame or low self-esteem and need constant reassurance. To cope with the emotional hyperarousal caused by ADHD, people need help and support. Whereas in a mood disorder, the moods often last for two weeks or more and are separate from the person’s situation.Įmotional sensitivity in ADHD is usually triggered by past or current events or wrongly perceived situations. In ADHD-driven emotional sensitivity, the moods are pretty much standard in every way except for their intensity.

However, the difference between moods in mood disorders and ADHD is the duration and intensity. Managing emotional hyperarousalĪDHD is often misdiagnosed as a mood disorder because of symptoms presenting as emotional sensitivity in ADHD. They may internalize and grow up with unhealthy emotions and perspectives about themselves. Since people with ADHD do not usually confine to societal norms, they are often met with harsh criticism from others. This may be something as minor as being unable to fix a puzzle or something as significant as rejection from a loved one. They are more invested than others in what they do and develop self-esteem issues if they cannot deliver quality work on time. People with ADHD experience stronger emotions, whether positive or negative. Their highs are higher, and lows are lower than the average person. Emotional sensitivity in ADHD may present as passionate thoughts, emotions, and feelings more intense than anyone else. While emotional hyperarousal presents as visible hyperactivity in about 25% of children and 5% adults, the rest internalize their hyperactivity which can look like the inability to relax. Therapists specializing in dealing with people with ADHD can help you develop a treatment plan and coping strategies that work best for you. There is no shame in getting help from a specialized counselor. It is essential to realize that people with ADHD are generally emotionally sensitive and may have strong feelings of shame, preventing them from seeking the medical help they need.Īside from medications, allowing the person to process their emotions before they have a meltdown is a healthy way to help them cope with rejection. This leads to possible negative thoughts and responses, requiring an efficient management plan. Sensitivity to rejection in ADHD is likely to feed a vicious cycle of repetition of past trauma. Those with ADHD are likely to face rejection at some point in their lives some may be more than others, making them more sensitive to rejection or other disappointments in the future. Since emotional sensitivity and rejection are difficult to measure, and their symptoms present similar to those of other mental health conditions, it is still a debate whether RSD could be a mental health disorder in itself.ĪDHD and sensitivity go hand in hand due to abnormal hormonal levels in a person diagnosed with ADHD. While psychiatrists commonly believe that RSD occurs exclusively in people diagnosed with ADHD, some professionals think that might not always be the case. Studies show that people with ADHD show more susceptibility to RSD, explaining the emotional sensitivity in people diagnosed with ADHD. They may internalize feelings by withdrawing from their surroundings, causing a low mood and loneliness or experience emotional hyperarousal causing rage and physical violence towards self or others.

People with RSD tend to either internalize or externalize their overwhelming feelings, harming their relationships with their loved ones. This emotional condition heightens the painful emotions a person experiences. The condition in which a person feels extreme and overwhelming emotions to criticism, teasing, disappointment or rejection is called Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). ADHD-affected people feel every emotion very strongly because of their emotional hyperarousal, which makes perceived or actual rejection more painful than it may be for someone without ADHD. This rejection may be as simple as having a friend say no to you or as big as not being accepted for a job you applied for. Studies suggest that ADHD-driven emotional sensitivity in people makes them struggle to cope with rejection.

Although nobody likes the unpleasant feeling that follows rejection, it can be even more challenging for those with ADHD.

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