William W. Dodson
“The man who named your deepest fear”
Who Is William W. Dodson?
Dr. William Dodson is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has spent over 25 years specializing exclusively in ADHD treatment. He is a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and has authored over 120 articles on the condition.
His most significant contribution is identifying Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) — extreme emotional sensitivity triggered by perceived rejection. Before Dodson named it, millions suffered in silence, often misdiagnosed with mood disorders.
His "Interest-Based Nervous System" framework (PINCH: Passion, Interest, Novelty, Challenge, Hurry) has become a widely used model for understanding ADHD motivation patterns.
Notable Quotes
“People with ADHD don't have an attention deficit. They have an interest-based nervous system.”
“Rejection sensitive dysphoria is the most impairing aspect of ADHD that nobody has heard of.”
Connection to Your ADHD Type
RSD is a key mechanism behind the Freeze type's tendency toward social withdrawal and paralysis. The fear of rejection creates anticipatory shutdown — "if I don't try, I can't fail."
Which ADHD type are you?
William W. Dodson's research helped build our framework. Take the test to discover your cognitive profile.
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