Experiences of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in Women with Late Diagnosed ADHD

Aim: There is a dearth of empirical literature examining the role of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). Women are more likely than males to receive a late diagnosis of attentiondeficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), leading to significant negative life consequences. Thus, the aim of the study was to contribute to a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of women with ADHD and RSD, who have been diagnosed in adulthood. Method: Six women with a diagnosis of ADHD (in adulthood) completed an online semi-structured interview about their experiences of RSD. The interviews were analysed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Four GETs were generated: ‘strategies for survival’; ‘the immediate emotionality of RSD’; ‘the reinforcing cycles of rejection’ and ‘the pivotal moment of discovering RSD’. The women discussed the lifelong nature of RSD despite not knowing about the term until adulthood. Participants masked RSD to prevent further RSD episodes and stigmatising beliefs from others, which increased negative self-beliefs. Implications: Clinical recommendations included providing better signposting and support for women with ADHD women, and to combat the stigmatising narratives and behaviours of educators, managers, employing companies, academic institutions, and the physical and mental healthcare workers in the UK. Finally, it is imperative that research advances continue regarding RSD and the nuances of this in women and girls with ADHD to mitigate the harmful gendered narratives that currently dominate not only literature but societal discourse regarding ADHD and RSD.