RSD vs Social Anxiety: Key Differences
RSD and social anxiety share some similarities, but they're distinct experiences with different patterns, triggers, and treatment approaches. Understanding the differences can help you get the right support.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | RSD | Social Anxiety |
|---|---|---|
| Main Fear | Being rejected or criticised | Being judged or embarrassed |
| Timing | Intense during/after event | Intense before event |
| Duration | Sudden onset, can fade fast | Builds up, lingers |
| Trigger | Perceived rejection/criticism | Social situations in general |
| ADHD Link | Very common in ADHD | Can co-occur with ADHD |
Understanding Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is characterised by intense fear of social situations where you might be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinised by others. Key features include:
- Anticipatory anxiety: Dreading social events days or weeks in advance
- Avoidance: Going to great lengths to avoid triggering situations
- Physical symptoms: Blushing, sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat
- Fear of all social evaluation: Worried about being watched, judged, or embarrassing yourself
Understanding RSD
RSD is specifically about sensitivity to rejection and criticism. While it can include social situations, it's more targeted:
- Reactive intensity: The pain hits suddenly and intensely when rejection is perceived
- Specific triggers: Criticism, disapproval, or perceived rejection - not all social situations
- Quick onset: The emotional flood happens instantly, not building over time
- Can recover quickly: Once the moment passes, you might feel fine (unlike the lingering dread of social anxiety)
Key Differences Explained
1. What You Fear
RSD:
"I'm terrified they'll reject me or criticise me. If they disapprove of me, I won't be able to bear it."
Social Anxiety:
"I'm terrified they'll watch me and judge me. I might do something embarrassing and they'll think I'm weird."
2. When the Fear Hits
RSD Pattern
- Fine before the event
- INTENSE when rejection happens
- Can recover within hours
Social Anxiety Pattern
- Dread builds before event
- Anxious during the event
- Relief when it's over
3. The Situations That Trigger You
RSD triggers
Receiving feedback at work, a friend cancelling plans, your partner seeming quiet, being left out, sensing disappointment
Social anxiety triggers
Parties, public speaking, meeting new people, eating in public, being the centre of attention, phone calls
Can You Have Both?
Absolutely. Many people experience both RSD and social anxiety - they're not mutually exclusive. In fact, having one can contribute to the other:
- RSD can make you anxious about social situations (fear of rejection)
- Social anxiety can make perceived rejection feel even worse
- Both can co-occur with ADHD
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding whether you're dealing with RSD, social anxiety, or both helps with treatment:
For RSD:
- • Alpha-2 agonists can be very effective
- • Treating underlying ADHD often helps
- • Focus on rejection-specific coping strategies
- • Reality-checking perceived rejection
For Social Anxiety:
- • SSRIs or SNRIs are often first-line
- • Exposure therapy is highly effective
- • CBT focused on social fears
- • Gradual desensitisation to feared situations
Self-Check: Which Resonates More?
More RSD:
- I'm fine socially until I sense disapproval
- Criticism devastates me instantly
- I have ADHD
- The pain passes relatively quickly
More Social Anxiety:
- I dread social events in advance
- I avoid situations where I might be watched
- Physical symptoms (sweating, trembling)
- Anxiety about embarrassing myself
Remember: this isn't a formal diagnostic tool. If you're struggling with either experience, speaking with a mental health professional who understands both conditions can help you get the right support.
Want to understand your patterns?
Our free screener can help you explore how rejection sensitivity might be affecting your daily life.
Take the Free Screener