Is the hum of the air conditioner bothering you? How about that tag on your shirt that keeps scratching your back? If you have ADHD, these scenarios may be familiar. Individuals with ADHD may have trouble with emotional regulation and hypersensitivity to touch, sounds, and light.
Hypersensitivity and ADHD are relevant to one another. But what exactly is hypersensitivity? How is it related to ADHD? How can you treat hypersensitivity for a better quality of life? We will cover all of this in this blog post!
What is Hypersensitivity?
Hypersensitivity is having extreme sensitivity to physical senses such as sound, touch, or smell. It is also associated with being easily overwhelmed by a lot of information. Hypersensitivity is a common trait in individuals with ADHD. Being aware of your hypersensitivity can change your life.
You can reframe your mindset. You are not “too sensitive.” People with ADHD and hypersensitivity often have to live differently to have a better quality of life. If you know that you are hypersensitive, you can make better choices and feel better about yourself.
If you suspect you might be hypersensitive, you can take this Self-Test.
Symptoms of Hypersensitivity
- Changes in mood
- Emotional episodes
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Sensitivity to loud abrupt noises
- Difficulty being in or around large groups of people
- Sensitivity to intense smells
What Type of Sensitivities Can Affect Those With ADHD?
- Visual
Hypersensitive people can be sensitive to visual stimuli. This can manifest as being distracted or easily irritated by flickering lights, bright lights, and rapid movements.
- Environmental
The environment can be an irritant and or distraction for highly sensitive people. For example, large crowds, close physical contact, and actual contact can make highly sensitive people feel uneasy and anxious.
- Smelling Sensitivities
Highly sensitive people can have sensitive olfactory organs. As a result, certain smells can be overbearing for highly sensitive individuals. The types of scents that can be overwhelming depends on the individual.
- Auditory Sensitivities
Certain sounds can irritate, distract, or overwhelm highly sensitive people. Loud noises, repetitive sounds, tapping, and more can be almost unbearable for highly sensitive people.
- Touch
Highly sensitive individuals can have sensitivities to touch. Jewelry and clothing tags can cause extreme discomfort.
Holistic Treatment options for hypersensitivity
There are a variety of treatment options to help manage hypersensitivity.
- Diet
Nutrient-rich foods can help to keep emotions regulated.
- Therapy
Therapy can help with negative thought patterns and behaviors. Over time, this can change overall habits, and one will react differently when confronted with triggering situations.
- Exercise
Research suggests that exercise can help to manage ADHD symptoms.
- Meditation
Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to impact mental health positively. These practices can decrease the intensity of emotional reactions and reduce impulsive behavior.
- Sleep
It is recalled that adults get 7-8 hours of sleep; this will vary depending on the individual. However, lack of sleep can negatively affect how your brain controls emotions and sensations.
Bottom Line
Hypersensitivity is a trait that is common in people with ADHD. Hypersensitivity is the extreme sensitivity of the senses, such as touch or smell. Hypersensitivity is also associated with being easily overwhelmed by a lot of information. There are a variety of holistic treatment options available to help manage hypersensitivity.
Resources
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-hypersensitivity#whats-the-link
https://www.additudemag.com/highly-sensitive-person-sensory-processing-sensitivity-adhd/
https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/senses-hypersensitivity-and-adhd/
