Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria with Dr. Bill Dodson (Part 2)

02/05/25 • 30 min

In the second of our powerful two-part conversation, Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. William Dodson discuss the complexities of ADHD, emotional dysregulation and its subset, and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). He explains how RSD can manifest in ADHDers, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of understanding and treating these conditions. There is a need for updated diagnostic criteria and effective treatment strategies, including medication and supportive environments. They dig into the complexities of ADHD, including management strategies, and the importance of understanding the overlap between social anxiety and mood disorders.

TAKEAWAYS

Emotional dysregulation is often overlooked in ADHD diagnoses.
RSD is a specific condition affecting many with ADHD.
The emotional pain from RSD can be both emotional and physical, and can lead to significant life impairments.
Childhood experiences can exacerbate RSD but are not the sole cause.
Medication can be effective in managing emotional dysregulation.
Understanding RSD is essential for clinicians working with ADHD patients.
Preventative strategies are key in managing RSD episodes.
Sleep, nutrition, structure, and routine play vital roles in emotional regulation.
Social anxiety and rejection sensitivity can coexist but are distinct.

The research project Emily mentions in her closing thoughts.

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Dr. Bill Dodson is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has specialized in adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder for the last 27 years.

In recognition of his clinical contributions to the field of ADHD he was named a Life Fellow of the APA in 2012. He was the 2006 recipient of the national Maxwell J. Schleifer Award for Distinguished Service to Persons with Disabilities.

His contributions to the field of ADHD include:

The only currently available methodology for the fine-tuning of ADHD medications.
The concept of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and its treatment with medications.
The first non-behavioral theory of what ADHD is and how it can be treated successfully with an emphasis on what goes right rather than what goes wrong.

Dr. Dodson has a book for clinicians, patients, and parents on the practice of ADHD medicine coming out at the end of 2025.

BACKGROUND READING

Bill Dodson’s website

Dr Dodson’s contributions to ADDitude magazine

TAKEAWAYS

Emotional dysregulation is often overlooked in ADHD diagnoses.
RSD is a specific condition affecting many with ADHD.
The emotional pain from RSD can be both emotional and physical, and can lead to significant life impairments.
Childhood experiences can exacerbate RSD but are not the sole cause.
Medication can be effective in managing emotional dysregulation.
Understanding RSD is essential for clinicians working with ADHD patients.
Preventative strategies are key in managing RSD episodes.
Sleep, nutrition, structure, and routine play vital roles in emotional regulation.
Social anxiety and rejection sensitivity can coexist but are distinct.

The research project Emily mentions in her closing thoughts.

Dr. Bill Dodson is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has specialized in adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder for the last 27 years.

His contributions to the field of ADHD include:

The only currently available methodology for the fine-tuning of ADHD medications.
The concept of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and its treatment with medications.
The first non-behavioral theory of what ADHD is and how it can be treated successfully with an emphasis on what goes right rather than what goes wrong.

Dr. Dodson has a book for clinicians, patients, and parents on the practice of ADHD medicine coming out at the end of 2025.

BACKGROUND READING

Bill Dodson’s website

Dr Dodson’s contributions to ADDitude magazine

Previous Episode

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria with Dr. Bill Dodson (Part 1)

In part one of a two-part conversation, Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. William Dodson discuss the complexities of ADHD, emotional dysregulation and its subset, and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). He explains how RSD can manifest in ADHDers, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of understanding and treating these conditions. There is a need for updated diagnostic criteria and effective treatment strategies, including medication and supportive environments. They dig into the complexities of ADHD, including management strategies, and the importance of understanding the overlap between social anxiety and mood disorders.

TAKEAWAYS

Emotional dysregulation is often overlooked in ADHD diagnoses.
RSD is a specific condition affecting many with ADHD.
The emotional pain from RSD can be both emotional and physical, and can lead to significant life impairments.
Childhood experiences can exacerbate RSD but are not the sole cause.
Medication can be effective in managing emotional dysregulation.
Understanding RSD is essential for clinicians working with ADHD patients.
Preventative strategies are key in managing RSD episodes.
Sleep, nutrition, structure, and routine play vital roles in emotional regulation.
Social anxiety and rejection sensitivity can coexist but are distinct.

The window is open for Educator Hub sign-up for a limited time, beginning January 31. Join a community of like-minded teachers, administrators, and advocates who are passionate about supporting neurodivergent kids. Click and join us.

Dr. Bill Dodson is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has specialized in adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder for the last 27 years.

His contributions to the field of ADHD include:

The only currently available methodology for the fine-tuning of ADHD medications.
The concept of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and its treatment with medications.
The first non-behavioral theory of what ADHD is and how it can be treated successfully with an emphasis on what goes right rather than what goes wrong.

Dr. Dodson has a book for clinicians, patients, and parents on the practice of ADHD medicine coming out at the end of 2025.

BACKGROUND READING

Bill Dodson’s website

Dr Dodson’s contributions to ADDitude magazine

Next Episode

What it Takes to Connect With Today's Students

Effective teaching involves more than just what happens formally in the classroom, and on this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes educator and author Adam Meyersieck to talk about it. They discuss the need for engaging teaching methods that connect with students emotionally and socially. They discuss collaboration between parents and educators to support neurodivergent learners, and the significance of strengths-based approaches in teaching. They cover sustainability of the teaching profession, the use of multiple communication modalities, and managing visual clutter to enhance learning environments.

TAKEAWAYS

Teaching should focus on the process, not just the end result.
Collaboration between parents and educators enhances student support.
Strengths-based assessments can bridge the gap between home and school.
Visual aids can clarify expectations for neurodiverse students.
Processing time is crucial for student understanding.
Simplicity in instructions aids neurodivergent learners.
Sustainable teaching practices lead to better educator retention.
Explicit instruction benefits all learners, not just neurodivergent ones.
Engaging multiple modalities helps all students retain information better.
Providing written instructions fosters independence in learners.
Managing visual clutter reduces distractions and enhances focus.

Get the newsletter and keep up-to-date about the Emily and Amanda's new book, Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported, and the new podcast, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools.

This episode is sponsored by The Council for Exceptional Children, getting ready for their Convention & Expo in Baltimore, March 12-15th. Go to cecconvention.org to register!

Adam Meyersieck is a school district leader, consultant at Legacy Education Group, and educator with nearly two decades of experience in special and inclusive education, professional learning, and neurodiversity teaching strategy. He has trained thousands of educators and school leaders in the US and Great Britain, helping them create inclusive, strength-based learning environments that truly support neurodiverse students.

He is also the author of Universal Best Practices for All Learners: Discover Your Teaching Strengths, a book designed to help educators leverage their strengths and make teaching more sustainable while meeting the needs of all learners.

Adam is passionate about helping school leaders and teachers better connect with their students, ensuring that education is both effective and equitable.

BACKGROUND READING

Adam’s website

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