Sensory overload happens when too much sensory stimulus is available to us all at the same time. In short, there is competing sensory information in the various senses – light, sound, touch, smell and taste. The brain cannot interpret it all at the same time. It feels like getting ‘stuck’ when the brain finds it challenging to sort out which sensory information is important.
Symptoms of sensory overload include the following:
- difficulty focusing due to competing for sensory input
- extreme irritability, restlessness and discomfort
- urge to cover one’s ears or shield the eyes from sensory input
- feeling overly excited
- stress, fear or anxiety about the surroundings
In children, sensory overload can manifest as:
- limited expression of emotions
- lack of eye contact
- trouble concentrating even in a quiet environment
- delayed speech development.
There are some conditions that are associated with hypersensitivity to sensory input:
- generalised anxiety disorder
- panic disorder
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- fibromyalgia
- sensory processing disorder
- chronic fatigue
- Tourette syndrome
- post-concussion syndrome
- traumatic brain injury
- migraine
- Meniere’s disease
- vertigo/visual vertigo.
The heightened sensitivity may be difficult for one to understand, much less explain to friends and family members who see no outward problem. The uncomfortable and painful sensations of fibromyalgia may be part of the brain's unusual way of processing pain.
A study, published in the journal Pain Research and Treatment, suggests that changes in brain chemistry among people with fibromyalgia may be linked to sensitivity to stimuli such as sound and smell. Imaging studies have provided visual depictions of this altered response to sensations. In some respects, the brains of people with fibromyalgia may be hyper-responsive to even the possibility of pain or discomfort. Researchers have also tested tissue samples and found elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the skin of people with fibromyalgia — which may be linked to hypersensitivity to touch. People with touch sensitivity oftentimes experience problems in relationships and intimacy as they may find holding hands with their partner too painful to bear. These individuals also have higher than usual of sensitivity to textures, fabrics, clothing tags or other things that may rub against their skin.
One would need to identify the underlying condition or disorder to institute the appropriate interventions. Interestingly, there are some reports on the medicine aripiprazole (Abilify), which has been found to improve sensory processing in persons with ASD.
If we have sensitivities to many stimuli, we may find our lifestyle restricted. Staying at home all the time and withdrawing from interacting with the outside world may not be a good solution. It may be more practical to strike a balance: to limit exposure to certain triggers but at the same time still able to lead a fruitful and meaningful life.
