The fear of rejection is not a clinical diagnosis, but it is a common and understandable fear that can be a normal part of being human. People who have a fear of rejection are afraid of not being liked, being abandoned, not fitting in, or being alone. They may struggle with low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and have trouble setting boundaries and saying no. Some signs of fear of rejection include being a people-pleaser, taking on too many responsibilities, and having trouble saying no.
There is a condition called Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), which is when a person feels intense emotional pain related to rejection. RSD is linked to ADHD, and experts suspect it happens due to differences in brain structure. People with RSD typically develop behaviors and mental health issues that stem from their fear of rejection. Children with ADHD and RSD also face potential problems with low self-esteem, fear of failure, and severe social anxiety.
Anthropophobia, sometimes spelled anthrophobia, is defined as the fear of people. Although not an explicit clinical disorder in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it may be considered a specific phobia. Anthropophobia can be part of social anxiety disorder, but the two are not the same. Social anxiety disorder involves intense anxiety when in a social situation, while a person with anthropophobia is afraid of people.
Avoidant Personality Disorder is another condition that involves a fear of rejection. People with avoidant personality disorder are afraid of being rejected, criticized, or embarrassed and thus avoid situations where they may experience such reactions. They may feel inadequate and be hypersensitive to negative feedback.
In summary, the fear of rejection is not a clinical diagnosis, but it is a common and understandable fear that can be a normal part of being human. People who have a fear of rejection are afraid of not being liked, being abandoned, not fitting in, or being alone. There are conditions such as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, Anthropophobia, and Avoidant Personality Disorder that involve a fear of rejection.
