Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Test: Free 12-Item ADHD & Emotional Sensitivity Screener

Does a neutral comment from a supervisor, an unreturned text message, or perceived coolness from a romantic partner trigger an immediate, agonizing physical ache in your chest? Do you find yourself spiraling into intense self-blame, anger, or despair, even when your rational mind recognizes that nothing catastrophic occurred? If so, you may be experiencing **Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)**.

Coined by renowned psychiatrist Dr. William Dodson, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is an extreme emotional sensitivity and psychological pain triggered by the perception-real or imagined-of being rejected, teased, criticized, or failing to meet personal high standards. While not a standalone DSM-5 category, clinical neuroscientists recognize RSD as one of the most debilitating facets of adult ADHD, autism spectrum profiles, and high-functioning anxiety.

**Screen Your Vulnerability Score**: Assess your emotional reactivity across social vigilance, criticism pain, and rumination: [Take the Free RSD Screener](/quiz/rsd).

The 3 Core Dimensions of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Our interactive 12-question clinical screener isolates the three distinct neurobiological manifestations of RSD: 1. **Social Hyper-Vigilance**: Scanning vocal tones, facial micro-expressions, and chat response times for hidden signs of annoyance or abandonment. 2. **Criticism Vulnerability**: Experiencing constructive feedback or slight disapproval not as helpful suggestions, but as devastating personal indictments. 3. **Catastrophic Emotional Rumination**: Sinking into hours or days of agonizing shame spirals, emotional paralysis, or sudden defensive withdrawal after minor social friction.

Somatic De-Escalation Protocols for Acute RSD Episodes

Because RSD is a neurological event driven by the amygdala and autonomic nervous system rather than conscious thought, traditional talk therapy alone often fails during an acute episode. Recommended stabilization drills include: - **Cold Dive Reflex (Mammalian Dive Reflex)**: Splash ice-cold water onto your face or hold an ice pack against your eyes and cheekbones for 30 seconds to force parasympathetic activation. - **The 48-Hour Communication Embargo**: Implement a strict rule never to send retaliatory texts, resign from jobs, or cut off friendships while your nervous system is in an active RSD flood. - **Stanford NSDR Reset**: Down-regulate autonomic hyper-arousal using our pure Web Audio [Stanford NSDR Audio Lab](/tools/nsdr) to restore prefrontal cortex control.