For readers who feel exquisitely and painfully hypersensitive, and who blame themselves for it, this book brings validation and a brain-based reason for it: Rejection Sensitive Disorder.
TOO SENSITIVE:
Understanding Rejection Sensitive Disorder and Building Emotional Resilience
by Dr. Sasha Hamdani
Flatiron Books, Fall 2026
(via Kaplan/DeFiore Rights)
While rejection and failure are challenging for everyone, those with Rejection Sensitive Disorder (RSD) experience them with an intensity that can feel overwhelming, even debilitating. The term dysphoria, which means « difficult to bear, » perfectly describes the emotional pain RSD can cause. It’s not just a matter of feeling hurt—it can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues, as well as significant mental health impacts like anxiety and depression.
TOO SENSITIVE dives into the neurobiological roots of RSD, helping readers understand how their emotional sensitivity is not just a personality trait, but a deeply ingrained part of their neurobiology. This work offers not only an explanation of the condition but also practical tools for managing emotional sensitivity in everyday life by introducing CALM YOUR MIND, a simple yet powerful system of 12 strategies designed to help readers regulate their emotions in challenging situations. These principles, grounded in diverse therapeutic approaches, are followed by a comprehensive RSD Toolkit that offers in the moment help with dozens of real-life scenarios.
Ultimately, TOO SENSITIVE helps readers understand that emotional sensitivity is not a flaw, but instead a neurological trait that deserves compassion and care. This book provides actionable strategies to transform emotional sensitivity from a source of pain into a powerful tool for personal growth, resilience, and self-compassion.
Sasha Hamdani, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in ADHD, RSD, and emotional regulation. With a medical background that includes an accelerated program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and residency training at the University of Arizona and University of Kansas Medical Center, Dr. Hamdani combines clinical expertise with personal experience. As the creator of FocusGenie and the author of Self-Care for People with ADHD (part of a series published by Adams Media in 2023), she has become a leading voice in mental health. Honored with the CHADD Early Career Influencer Award and invited to the inaugural White House Creator Mental Health Summit, Dr. Hamdani also reaches over 2 million followers across social media, regularly delivering educational content and speaking at major conferences. She has been featured in a TEDx talk on focus and in outlets like The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.
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