ADHD & Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: The Emotional Pain No One Explains

In this episode, Ben sits down with Dr Shyamal
Mashru, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for
Adult ADHD, for a clear and compassionate deep dive into
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD).


Often misunderstood or dismissed as being “too sensitive,” RSD is
explored here as a real, neurological experience - one that can
hijack rational thought, flood the body with emotional pain, and
quietly shape relationships, work, and self-worth. Dr Shyamal
explains what RSD is (and isn’t), how it shows up differently
across people, and why ADHD brains may be especially vulnerable.


They unpack the science, the role of trauma and hormones, why RSD
isn’t currently in the DSM, and what actually helps when
rejection hits hard.


If rejection feels overwhelming, confusing, or deeply personal -
this conversation offers clarity, relief, and language for what
you may have been carrying alone.





Join us at hidden20.org/donate.


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Host: Ben Branson


Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné


Video Editor: James Scriven


Social Media Manager: Charlie Young


Music: Jackson Greenberg


Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller


00:00 Introduction


01:00 Dr Shyamal Mashru’s ADHD Background &
Clinical Work


03:15 What Surprises Clinicians About ADHD
Assessments


04:41 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Explained:
What RSD Is & Why It Hurts


09:16 RSD Coping Mechanisms: Shutdown,
People-Pleasing & Avoidance


11:44 Is It RSD or Something Else? How to Tell
the Difference


15:05 The Neuroscience of RSD: Why Rational
Thinking Switches Off


17:27 RSD in Romantic Relationships &
Attachment


21:33 How to Support a Partner With Rejection
Sensitive Dysphoria


22:50 How Aware Is Society of RSD?


24:38 RSD, Hormones & ADHD: Menstrual Cycle,
Perimenopause & Menopause


26:33 Is There an Upside to RSD? Emotional Depth
& Sensitivity


29:56 Can Non-ADHD People Experience RSD?


31:55 RSD vs Trauma & Fear of Failure


34:46 Why RSD Is More Than “Not Handling
Rejection”


36:15 Why Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Isn’t in
the DSM


40:00 How RSD Shows Up in Children


41:29 Early Signs & Patterns Clinicians Look
For


42:59 How Common Is RSD in ADHD — and When It
Appears


46:20 Treating RSD: Therapy, Medication &
Regulation


56:18 The One Thing Dr Shyamal Would Change
About RSD Awareness





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Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348


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Website: www.hidden20.org


Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity


Ben Branson @seedlip_ben


Dr Shymal Mashru @adhdhealthclinic


www.adhdhealthclinic.co.uk





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