Have you previously experienced complete confusion, being overwhelmed, or the need to withdraw to your own thoughts, feelings, and emotions as a result of the chaos and noise all around you? There's a chance that you are experiencing sensory overload. However, depending on the individual, particularly if they are autistic or have ADHD, sensory overload experiences can vary and triggers might be different. Although it can be scary, the good news is that there are steps you can take to help you regain control.

When you have more sensory input than your brain can absorb and organize, it is said that you have sensory overload. The signs of sensory overload can be brought on by a noisy party, flashing overhead lights, or multiple discussions taking place in the same place or environment. Anyone can suffer from sensory overload, and different people have different triggers for it. Many other medical disorders, such as autism, sensory processing disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and fibromyalgia, are linked to sensory overload.

Signs and symptoms of sensory overload

Symptoms of sensory overload might vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of sensory overload are as follows:

• Excessive irritation
• Difficulty focusing as a result of conflicting sensory input
• The unpleasant urge to cover your ears or your eyes to block out sensory input
• Feeling too excited or "severely injured,”
• Worried or fearful of your surroundings
• More sensitivity than usual to skin-rubbing materials, textures, garment tags, or other objects

Causes of sensory overload

Your brain works like a complex, wonderful computer system. Your brain analyses the information that is transmitted by your senses and determines how you should respond.

But when there is inconsistent sensory data, your brain can't process it all at once. Some people may experience this as feeling of being "stuck" because their brains are unable to select which sensory data, they should pay attention to.

The signal to leave some of the sensory input you are experiencing is then sent by your brain to your body. Your body begins to panic as a result of your brain feeling trapped by the amount of information it is receiving.

Although the exact reason why the brain responds in this way is unknown, it may be caused by the structure of your brain, particularly if you suffer from a sensory processing issue. A distinct brain structure may actually exist in children with sensory processing issues, which may have an impact on sensory processing, according to one study.

Conditions that are linked to sensory overload

Sensory processing disorder

It is a neurological disorder in which People with exhibit varying responses to sensory information. There are times when you experience sensory overload because your brain has problems processing information from your senses.

Autism

Sensory problems are frequently present along autism spectrum condition, which has an impact on behavior and communication. Autism can cause both hyper- and hypo-sensitivities, and over- and under-responsiveness to sounds and touch, among other sensory difficulties.

ADHD

The relationship between sensory sensitivity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sometimes known as ADHD has been established despite the lack of research in this area.

According to a 2015 study, persons with ADHD had a particularly difficult time removing unimportant auditory information, such as short sounds.

11 researches conducted in 2011 among kids with ADHD revealed an increased level of sensory sensitivity to sensory modalities light, sound, taste, temperature, and smell.

PTSD

Episodes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might include sensory overload. The experience might cause senses to feel elevated and cause sensory overload because of anticipation, tiredness, and worry.

Other

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Tourette syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis

Treatment of sensory overload

There aren't that many available treatments for sensory overload right now. The majority of "therapy" consists of staying away from trigger situations, getting enough rest, and drinking plenty of water.

Children can regulate stimulus which bring stress to them and triggers with the help of occupational therapy and nutrition therapy. Researchers and therapists support the therapeutic approach known as sensory integration, though it is yet unclear how sensory integration benefits the brain.

The effects of sensory overload may be reduced by treating associated illnesses. For example, sensory processing in autistic individuals has been reported to be improved by the drug aripiprazole (Abilify).

Dealing with sensory overload

• Avoid loud activities, events, concerts, bright lights, particular scents, and large crowds.
• Request that individuals in your neighborhood turn down the music or turn off the lights.
• Take pauses or breaks
• Consuming enough water, sleeping enough, and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
• Distancing yourself from or avoiding situations that give you anxiety or stress

Sensory overload can be a terrifying event that can result in severe distress. It frequently co-occurs with other closely related disorders including autism and ADHD, but there may occasionally be no connection. Although there is no known treatment for sensory overload, there are several strategies to manage and lessen it, both at home and with a doctor's assistance.

For professional assistance connect with the Best Psychologist in India or an Online Counsellor at TalktoAngel India’sNo, 1kid therapy and Online counselling platform for Child Development.

Contributed by: Dr(Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist&Parenting Coach &Dr. Sakshi Kochhar Psychologist