Understanding Overstimulation in ADHD

ADHD Symptom Spotlight: Overstimulation

ADHD Symptom Spotlight delves into a different hallmark or often-overlooked symptom of ADHD each week. This series features insights from experts who share firsthand experiences and research-backed strategies for managing these symptoms effectively.

Overstimulation: An Overview

Overstimulation occurs when the brain receives an overwhelming amount of sensory input. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, irritability, and discomfort, along with difficulties processing and thinking.

What Does Overstimulation Feel Like?

• Physical or Emotional Discomfort: A sense of being overwhelmed and unable to cope.
• Frozen Mind: Feeling like your brain is unable to function properly.
• Irritability, Panic, or Stress: Heightened emotional responses to sensory input.
• Escape Urge: A strong desire to leave the overstimulating situation.

Triggers of Overstimulation

• Sensory Overload: Exposure to excessive sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells.
• Specific Sensitivities (Hypersensitivity): Increased sensitivity to certain stimuli, such as tags on clothing or uncomfortable fabrics.
• Touch-Based Issues: Sensitivity to touch, such as being ticklish or disliking certain textures.
• External Factors: Crowded venues, loud concerts, or bright sunny days can trigger overstimulation.

Overstimulation vs. Hypersensitivity

• Hypersensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to a specific stimulus that consistently bothers you.
• Overstimulation: A state of being overwhelmed by stimuli, regardless of whether they typically bother you.

Overstimulation in ADHD

• Impaired Attentional Control: Difficulty filtering out irrelevant information and focusing on relevant tasks.
• Increased Background Noise: Research suggests that individuals with ADHD have increased "background noise" in the brain, even during rest.
• Difficulty Focusing: The brain's inability to prioritize sensory input can lead to challenges in focusing on specific tasks.

Personal Experience with Overstimulation

• Feeling of "Static" in the Brain: The brain feels like it's filled with static, making it difficult to concentrate and think clearly.
• Difficulty Focusing on Specific Tasks: Irrelevant sensory input distracts and hinders the ability to focus on specific tasks.

Overstimulation in Autism

• Similar Signs of Hyperactivity: Individuals with autism may exhibit hyperactivity when overstimulated.
• Emotional and Behavioral Issues: Overstimulation can lead to anxiety, irritability, anger, and other emotional and behavioral issues.
• Co-Occurrence: ADHD and autism are often co-occurring diagnoses.

Strategies for Coping with and Avoiding Overstimulation

• Sensory Breaks: Take breaks from overstimulating environments by listening to music, petting an animal, taking a walk, calling a friend, or writing in a journal.
• Identify Triggers: Understand your unique triggers for overstimulation and avoid or prepare for situations where they may occur.
• Embrace Fidgeting: Fidgeting can help improve focus and tune out irrelevant sensory input.
• Create Optimal Stimulation Environments: Distinguish between helpful and unhelpful sensory input and create environments that provide the right level of stimulation.

Additional Tips:

• Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: Listen to enjoyable music without lyrics to create a balanced stimulating environment.
• Organize and Personalize Workspace: Design a visually appealing and stimulating workspace that meets your individual needs.

Conclusion

Overstimulation is a common symptom of ADHD that can be managed with various strategies. By understanding your triggers, taking sensory breaks, preparing for overstimulating situations, and creating optimal sensory environments, you can reduce the impact of overstimulation on your daily life.