<p>In this episode, Ben sits down with <strong>Dr Shyamal Mashru</strong>, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for Adult ADHD, for a clear and compassionate deep dive into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD).</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>If rejection feels overwhelming, confusing, or deeply personal - this conversation offers clarity, relief, and language for what you may have been carrying alone.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Join us at&nbsp;<a href="http://hidden20.org/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hidden20.org/donate</a>.</p><p>________</p><br><p>Host: Ben Branson</p><p>Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné</p><p>Video Editor: James Scriven</p><p>Social Media Manager: Charlie Young</p><p>Music: Jackson Greenberg</p><p>Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller</p><br><p><strong>00:00</strong> Introduction</p><p><strong>01:00</strong> Dr Shyamal Mashru’s ADHD Background &amp; Clinical Work</p><p><strong>03:15</strong> What Surprises Clinicians About ADHD Assessments</p><p><strong>04:41</strong> Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Explained: What RSD Is &amp; Why It Hurts</p><p><strong>09:16</strong> RSD Coping Mechanisms: Shutdown, People-Pleasing &amp; Avoidance</p><p><strong>11:44</strong> Is It RSD or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference</p><p><strong>15:05</strong> The Neuroscience of RSD: Why Rational Thinking Switches Off</p><p><strong>17:27</strong> RSD in Romantic Relationships &amp; Attachment</p><p><strong>21:33</strong> How to Support a Partner With Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria</p><p><strong>22:50</strong> How Aware Is Society of RSD?</p><p><strong>24:38</strong> RSD, Hormones &amp; ADHD: Menstrual Cycle, Perimenopause &amp; Menopause</p><p><strong>26:33</strong> Is There an Upside to RSD? Emotional Depth &amp; Sensitivity</p><p><strong>29:56</strong> Can Non-ADHD People Experience RSD?</p><p><strong>31:55</strong> RSD vs Trauma &amp; Fear of Failure</p><p><strong>34:46</strong> Why RSD Is More Than “Not Handling Rejection”</p><p><strong>36:15</strong> Why Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Isn’t in the DSM</p><p><strong>40:00</strong> How RSD Shows Up in Children</p><p><strong>41:29</strong> Early Signs &amp; Patterns Clinicians Look For</p><p><strong>42:59</strong> How Common Is RSD in ADHD — and When It Appears</p><p><strong>46:20</strong> Treating RSD: Therapy, Medication &amp; Regulation</p><p><strong>56:18</strong> The One Thing Dr Shyamal Would Change About RSD Awareness</p><br><p><br></p><br><p>The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.</p><br><p>Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.</p><p>No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.</p><br><p>1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.</p><br><p>To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.</p><br><p>With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.</p><br><p>Join us at&nbsp;<a href="http://hidden20.org/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hidden20.org/donate</a>.</p><br><p>Become a monthly donor.</p><p>Be part of our community where great minds think differently.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348</p><p>______________</p><br><p>Follow &amp; subscribe…</p><br><p>Website: www.hidden20.org</p><p>Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity</p><p>Ben Branson @seedlip_ben</p><p>Dr Shymal Mashru @adhdhealthclinic</p><p>www.adhdhealthclinic.co.uk</p><br><p><br></p><p>If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>