Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, often called ADHD, occurs due to changes in brain growth and development. These changes make it difficult to focus, which may affect your ability to pay attention during conversations, remember important things or manage your time effectively. It’s also common to experience ADHD sensitivity when exposed to certain stressors. Learn more about this symptom and find out how to manage it in daily life.
What Is ADHD Sensitivity?
ADHD hypersensitivity, sometimes shortened to ADHD sensitivity, is a common symptom of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It causes an individual to feel overwhelmed when exposed to certain physical or mental stimuli. You may also experience information overload, which is the feeling of having to process too much information at one time.
Types of Sensory Overload Common in ADHD
Humans have five senses, all of which can be overwhelmed by environmental stimuli. Auditory, olfactory and visual sensitivities are especially common. People with ADHD may also feel claustrophobic in crowded spaces or experience hypersensitivity associated with certain sensations.
Auditory Sensitivity
Auditory sensitivity relates to the sounds you hear around you. For example, if you’re sitting in a quiet room, the sound of a dripping faucet may interfere with your ability to concentrate. Some people experience hypersensitivity when the people around them chew loudly or when repetitive sounds disrupt their trains of thought.
Olfactory Sensitivity
The word “olfactory” is associated with your sense of smell, so olfactory sensitivities develop when you’re exposed to certain scents. For example, if you sit behind someone wearing strong perfume in a movie theater, you may find yourself distracted from what’s happening on the big screen. It’s also possible to experience olfactory sensitivities when exposed to the smell of deodorant, body wash, shampoo, cigarette smoke or laundry detergent.
Visual Sensitivity
If flickering lights prevent you from concentrating on the task at hand, you may have visual sensitivity associated with ADHD. Almost any visual stimulus can lead to hypersensitivity symptoms, from bright sunlight to moving objects. When you’re exposed to one of these stimuli, you may find yourself feeling distracted or stressed out.
Tactile Sensitivity
For some people, tactile sensitivity is one of the most distressing ADHD symptoms. Tactile refers to the sense of touch, so this type of sensitivity arises when certain things touch your body. Some people with ADHD don’t wear jewelry because bracelets, necklaces and rings feel too tight. Others hate having clothing tags rubbing against their skin. You may even experience tactile sensitivity when you rub moisturizer into your skin or touch certain fabrics.
Claustrophobia
Some people with ADHD also experience claustrophobia in crowded spaces. For example, you may feel stressed when you’re in an elevator with several people. You may even avoid concerts, sporting events and other activities because you don’t want to feel boxed in by the crowd.
Emotional Sensitivity and Its Impact
The sensitivities described above all relate to physical stimuli, but it’s also possible to experience emotional hypersensitivity ADHD symptoms. If you have a high level of emotional sensitivity, you feel emotions more intensely than other people. For example, if someone criticizes your work, you may dwell on it all day while another person would move on after a few minutes.
Emotional sensitivity often causes distress as it makes it difficult to focus on other matters. People with emotional sensitivity may also feel overwhelmed or experience high levels of inner turmoil.
However, people with this trait also experience positive emotions intensely, so ADHD sensitivity isn’t always a negative thing. For example, you may find yourself feeling overjoyed by the opportunity to spend time with loved ones or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Managing Hypersensitivity in Daily Life
Hypersensitivity has the potential to make other ADHD symptoms worse, so it’s important to manage it effectively. One approach is to embrace your positive attributes and look for ways to incorporate them into daily life. If you have a high level of empathy, for example, you may excel at caring for the elderly or working with young children.
It’s also helpful to know your limits so you can set appropriate boundaries. This is especially important if you live with at least one other person. If you know you’re sensitive to certain stimuli, you can ask the other people in your household to avoid spraying perfume, using flickering lights or doing other things known to trigger your sensitivities.
For some people, cognitive behavioral therapy makes it easier to manage ADHD hypersensitivity. CBT helps you become aware of your negative thought patterns and behaviors so you can work on changing them. Some therapists specialize in treating patients with ADHD, so your therapist may also be able to help you manage other symptoms.
Finally, make sure you get enough sleep at night. Poor sleep quality has been linked to difficulty regulating emotions. If you have ADHD sensitivity, a lack of sleep may make it even more difficult to respond to emotional stimuli.
Tools and Strategies for Sensory Regulation
You can’t always control what other people do, especially in public places, but you can take steps to limit your exposure to bothersome stimuli. For example, if repetitive noises bother you, it’s helpful to carry a pair of over-the-ear headphones wherever you go. Instead of getting overwhelmed by noise, you can use the headphones to block out annoying sounds.
Another way to combat ADHD sensitivity is to engage in a calming activity any time you feel overwhelmed. If you’re in a room with a dripping faucet or a ticking clock, blowing bubbles, gently rocking in your chair or using a fidget spinner may distract you from the noise.
Some strategies don’t work in every environment. For example, if you’re giving a presentation, you probably won’t be able to blow bubbles or rock in a chair. To make sensory regulation a bit easier, have several strategies in mind so you can pick an appropriate one based on your circumstances.
Take Control of Your ADHD Hypersensitivity
If ADHD has been making it difficult to enjoy life to the fullest, you don’t have to struggle alone. Sun Health Center has experienced, compassionate professionals available to help you address hypersensitivity and learn to regulate it. Contact us now to get the help you deserve.
