Schedule an appointment<\/a> on Klarity to get one step closer to finding relief from your overstimulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is Overstimulation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overstimulation, or sensory overload, happens when one or more of your senses becomes overloaded. You\u2019re being bombarded with information you can\u2019t process, understand, or avoid. Simultaneously, sensory overload makes filtering out or ignoring sensory details difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Too much strain on the nervous system could result in a panic attack. If you notice yourself becoming overstimulated, try to remove the cause as quickly as possible so you can reset your nervous system and avoid further distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Causes of Overstimulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overstimulation happens most often in busy environments with many people, such as a restaurant, store, or school. These environments usually have a lot of visual and auditory clutter and blends of smells (e.g., food and perfume). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In these types of environments, someone with ADHD may be unable to filter out things that seem minor to others, meaning they\u2019re taking in much more information than their peers. Without the proper support, this experience can quickly become overwhelming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overwhelming sensory stimuli may include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Touch:<\/strong> Restrictive or rough clothing, unexpected physical contact, too much physical contact (e.g., a bear hug that lasts too long), lotion or other moist substances on the skin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Taste: <\/strong>Specific textures and flavors, such as mealy or mushy foods, foods that are either too bland, overwhelmingly bitter, or earthy. Conversely, some people with ADHD enjoy spicy foods or sour candies because these flavors release dopamine in the brain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Sight:<\/strong> Very bright fluorescent or flashing lights, views with too much visual clutter, views with too little visual interest, too many bright colors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Sound:<\/strong> Many sounds happening at once, persistent sounds with no discernable purpose or source, loud or sudden sounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Smell:<\/strong> Strong chemical scents, like perfume and nail polish, smells out of context (e.g., food smells in an office setting), prolonged exposure to unpleasant odors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t\t