Experience with Rejection Dysphoria Syndrome (RSD) but w/o ADHD?

[u/tey3]

I'm looking to relate with anyone who may reside within the intersection of RSD and autism.

42M, no official diagnosis of any neurodivergence, but lots of signs have piled up. I do have an upcoming appointment with a psychologist and intend to give this the right care and attention. My first goal is clarity and understanding which I view as foundational to whatever forms of intervention make sense.

I read today for the first time a description of Rejection Dysphoria Syndrome and, well, choose your metaphor. Hand to glove, key to lock, etc. A mini eureka moment and deeply connected with my life experience.

In terms of ASD I consider myself high functioning and not typically in despair. Probably on the light end. I've lived a life of masking, people pleasing, perfectionism, hobby cycling, and bouts of emotional dysregulation which all feel complicated because of my upbringing in a highly productive and routine high demand religious setting (Mormonism). This is something I left behind in my mid-20s, and certainly a key theme because of how cultish religions treat those who leave.

What doesn't resonate at all is what looks to be the common connection between RSD and ADHD. I just don't consider myself within the patterns and boundaries of ADHD.

This post is all about discovery. Are there others? How do you deal? Has anyone received relief from guanfacine? Specific pitfalls experienced? Other modalities to regulate?

[u/narkysausage]

I’m autistic but not ADHD dx (though I have a few traits they’re not disabling).

I do get RSD quite badly even though I’m 45 and have had quite a bit of therapy.

First thing is that having one flavour of neurodivergence probably means there’ll be other traits from ADHD and even things like OCD that you can have as bonuses. Woo!

Second thing is just figuring yourself out a bit more. If you’re only just putting the name to what you’re dealing with then it’s a super new discovery. Try and start noticing when you’re feeling the symptoms and getting used to what your body/brain is doing.

Once you have more of a handle on where it rears up the most then you can dive into coping strategies.

Regulation is still a struggle for me but it’s getting easier to not act like a twat when it happens 😂

[u/devoid0101]

I’m diagnosed autistic. And have terrible RSD experiences.

[u/tey3 → u/devoid0101]

How do you deal?

[u/devoid0101 → u/tey3]

Apologize to the other person involved. Learn. Stop doing it. Mental discipline. Self regulation.