Getting to Know Sensory Overload in Adults and How to Overcome It

Sensory overload occurs when the brain is unable to process sensory information captured by one or more of the senses. This condition causes a person's senses to be overstimulated, thus triggering feelings of discomfort, anxiety, and even panic.

Anyone can experience sensory overload. However, this condition commonly occurs in children, especially those with autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fibromyalgia, and ADHD. If it occurs in adults, the symptoms of sensory overload may have been present since childhood.

Getting to Know Sensory Overload in Adults and How to Overcome It

The sensory information captured by the senses can range from loud music, a crowded room, drastic changes in temperature or light, unexpected or unwanted physical contact, uncomfortable clothing, to strong odors.

Symptoms of Sensory Overload in Adults

When multiple sensory information competes, the brain is unable to process it all at the same time. The brain then sends a signal to the body that you need to move away from the sensory information it receives. Then, the body produces sensory overload symptoms in response to signals from the brain.

Symptoms of sensory overload in adults can vary. Some people may experience only mild symptoms, but some may experience more severe symptoms that interfere with daily activities.

There are also patients with sensory overload who may only experience overstimulation of hearing, while other sufferers experience sensory overload visually.

The following are some of the common sensory overload symptoms in adults:

  • It's hard to sit still
  • Stress, fear, or anxiety
  • Trying to block the senses from sensory information
  • Hard to focus
  • Often too eager to respond
  • Has a higher level of sensitivity to objects that touch the skin, such as the texture of fabrics or clothing labels
  • Easy to anger
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Having a panic attack
  • picky eating (picky eating)

Conditions Associated with Sensory Overload

Sensory overload in adults is commonly associated with certain neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as:

1. Autism

People with autism tend to be overwhelmed by sensory information entering the brain, causing symptoms of sensory overload. The exact cause of this condition is not known and therapy is needed to overcome the symptoms that appear.

2. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

An example of this condition is a war veteran with PTSD. They may experience sensory overload more easily when stimulated by flashes of light or the sound of firecrackers.

3. Generalized anxiety disorder

In certain situations, people with generalized anxiety disorder may experience sensory overload. For example, feeling more anxious and overwhelmed when trapped in a crowded stadium.

4. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Research shows that people with ADHD can also experience sensory overload. They usually find it difficult to focus and often feel anxious or panicked when faced with overstimulation, such as loud music.

In addition to the above conditions, sensory overload in adults is also known to be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and Tourette's syndrome. In fact, a person can experience sensory overload without having the conditions mentioned above.

How to Overcome Sensory Overload in Adults

So far there is no treatment that can cure sensory overload. Treatment suggested by doctors is usually aimed at controlling the symptoms of sensory overload, namely:

  • Do special therapy to deal with anxiety and manage difficult situations
  • Taking antidepressants and medications to treat anxiety disorders
  • Rest and drink enough water to improve brain function
  • Practicing meditation, mindfulness, and breathing when anxiety strikes
  • Avoid triggering factors for sensory overload, such as noise, too crowded places, too strong a smell, or too bright light

Living with sensory overload may make sufferers feel isolated. Support from those closest to them is very important so that they don't feel alone.

If you frequently experience symptoms of sensory overload as mentioned above or these symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist for appropriate examination and treatment.

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