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A Girl I Really Like Turned Me Down: I Am Super Sensitive—A Story about a Tween with Untreated Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)

About the story: Cory, a twelve-year-old seventh-grader, has a condition called rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), which he doesn’t know he suffers from—nor does anyone else in his life. It is 1983, and RSD isn’t even a recognized condition yet. He is sensitive, and his feelings get hurt extremely easily and intensely from rejection or perceived rejection, which makes him suffer and miss out in life. A fictitious story taking place in the southwestern desert of Tucson, Arizona, USA, in the fall of 1983. Certain details in the story regarding RSD were experienced by the author as a tween and teenager and were incorporated into the storyline. This story is a representation of how the author experienced RSD and may not be the same as other people with the condition. For more information, visit www.rejectionsensitivitydysphoria.com and www.sensitiveboys.com.

About the author: Richard Carlson is a highly sensitive person (HSP). He has authored children’s, young adult, and other books. Although not diagnosed by a medical professional, Richard is convinced that he had rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) as a child and teenager until he was almost twenty-one years old, at which time, he believes it no longer affected him. Richard hopes to educate people about RSD and help those who have the condition. For more information about Richard, visit www.richardcarlson.com.

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Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD):

Always consult with a medical professional for medical advice and help with RSD. The author is not a medical professional.

Rejection sensitivity dysphoria was first recognized by Dr. William Dodson in the 1990s as a mood disorder that causes emotional hypersensitivity. It is related to ADHD.

According to Dr. Willian Dodson, “Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is an intense vulnerability to the perception – not necessarily the reality – of being rejected, teased, or criticized by important people in your life. RSD causes extreme emotional pain that may also be triggered by a sense of failure, or falling short – failing to meet either your own high standards or others’ expectations.”

Ways people affected by untreated RSD cope:

1. Perfectionism
2. Overachievement
3. People-pleasing to avoid being criticized.
4. Avoidance: avoiding new things, rather than risk failure.
5. Dishonesty: People with RSD might lie to avoid criticism.
6. Being defensive: They push blame away from themselves to avoid accepting failure.

Reducing Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria:

Unfortunately, there is no panacea for RSD. However, there are strategies to help a child cope:

1. Build self-esteem: Help your child achieve small successes. People with RSD have trouble accepting criticism and failure. Success helps their self-esteem and over time can help the child deal with their RSD.
2. Medication
3. Counseling
 

References:

Dodson, William. “3 Defining Features of ADHD That Everyone Overlooks.” ADDitude, August 11, 2025. https://www.additudemag.com/symptoms-of-add-hyperarousal-rejection-sensitivity/.

NeuroLaunch editorial team. “Dodson ADHD Model: Revolutionary Insights into ADHD from Dr. William Dodson.” NeuroLaunch.com, August 15, 2025. https://neurolaunch.com/dodson-adhd/.

RSD Facebook Groups:

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

ADHD RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) Support Group ADHD RSD

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (Adults)

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Support Group

It feels so real: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Support And Education

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD): Support & Connection

Helpful Links:

8 Ways You Can Help a Child With ADHD-Related Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Are Your Kid's Meltdowns a Sign of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?

Understanding RSD in Kids: Symptoms, Treatment, and Coping Strategies

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria on Amazon USA

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: 10 Signs You Might Have RSD and 5 Ways to Manage It

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

WebMD- What Is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)?

Other RSD Books:

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