What is hypersensitivity? Two psychologists explain

Hypersensitivity is a phenomenon that is attracting enormous interest these days, both from the general public (11,200,000 hits on the Google search engine, a plethora of books and magazines, etc.) and from psychology experts. Psychologists Elaine and Arthur Aron first identified the phenomenon of hypersensitivity and conceptualized it as a temperamental trait in 1997. According to them, highly sensitive people generally feel internal and external stimuli more intensely, no matter how small, whether positive or negative, and process them in a more precise, subtle and nuanced way than people who are less sensitive.Dopamine and serotoninThis in-depth processing of information is based on a particular mode of activation of the nervous system, rather than on the existence of over-developed senses. In highly sensitive people, the areas of the brain involved in processing complex information are more alert.What's more, their metabolism of dopamine—a neurotransmitter that helps to transmit information from one neuron to another—partly shapes the expression of some of their genetic idiosyncrasies.In addition, their production of serotonin, another neurotransmitter, partly exacerbates their emotional sensitivity to aversive environmental stimuli.This unique way of functioning corresponds to a great capacity to: detect subtle stimuli (sensitivity to subtle stimuli); feel them intensely (overstimulation); process them in-depth (depth of processing); and react to them emotionally, in particular through hyper-empathy (emotional reactivity and high empathy).Research suggests that hypersensitivity is made up of three components: a low sensory threshold, ease of arousal and esthetic sensitivity.Our research done at the University of Tours in France, like that of others on the subject, reveals the existence of another dimension of hypersensitivity, fulfilling a function that could be described as defensive: the tendency to flee from the effect of stimuli, in order to protect oneself from them.Curiosity and risk-takingBut should is this last dimension to be the primary component of hypersensitivity? Or should it be seen as a form of phobic avoidance, a reaction to the discomfort and/or fatigue caused by hypersensitivity?Hypersensitivity is also positively correlated with neuroticism, a personality trait characterized by the habitual tendency to see the glass as half-empty rather than half-full, which makes us more inclined to feel negative emotions than positive ones, and thus predisposes us to develop psychological and somatic suffering.To a lesser extent, hypersensitivity is accompanied by a great openness to experience, which is particularly conducive to creativity. In our view, the combination of these two temperamental traits is conducive to the discovery and exploration of subtle stimuli, via a great curiosity of mind and experiential investigations, sometimes with transcendent virtues.In this way, hypersensitivity makes people more receptive to states of well-being induced by positive, transformative experiences and potential sources of wonder (via the arts, a connection with nature, etc.).ADHD connection?On the other hand, when accompanied by negative effects, hypersensitivity can encourage sensation-seeking, by exacerbating two of its constituent elements: risk-taking and impulsivity. Moreover, links are beginning to be established between hypersensitivity, inattention and impulsivity, central components of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.Generally speaking, the term “hypersensitivity” refers to the existence of a particular innate way of functioning, part of a complex, singular and relatively stable psychological architecture (the framework of which would be temperament and personality traits). And those experiencing it need to know how to manage it, with a view to making the most of it.Introverted hypersensitive people who had a happy childhood are less bothered by their emotions and less prone to depression than hypersensitive people who had a more difficult childhood. The latter are more likely to suffer from anxiety-depressive disorders in adulthood.In short, hypersensitivity is scientifically conceivable as a particular way of relating to oneself and interacting with one's environment. It is by no means a pathology or disorder with precise diagnostic criteria that must be treated.Of course, hypersensitivity can become one of many factors of psychopathological vulnerability when it is part of a painful life history. But it can also be part of positive life experiences, without generating emotional disturbances, and even be an asset when the conditions of existence are favourable to the growth and psychological fulfilment of hypersensitive people. If this is the case, we have an “advantageous sensitivity.”Tools for hypersensitivityThe classic tool for detecting hypersensitivity is the Aron and Aron questionnaire, which is available and validated in several languages. It is not a diagnostic tool, but rather an instrument for assessing the tendency to be highly sensitive, commonly used in scientific research.It can also be used as part of a clinical psycho-educational approach, with a view to helping highly sensitive and emotionally dysregulated patients to develop a better understanding of themselves, and to accept and assert themselves as they are, rather than denying their sensitivity.With the possible help of a psychotherapist, they will then be in a better position to revise their way of self-regulating emotionally, in particular by taking refuge less in the anxious avoidance of stimuli and more in nurturing their esthetic sensitivity.In short, this type of approach can encourage hypersensitive people to take better care of their health, well-being and psychological development, and to give the best of themselves by adopting a lifestyle that fully meets their needs and existential aspirations, whether in the private sphere or elsewhere. Let's hope that future studies will help us to find out how best to live with hypersensitivity, and turn it into a precious resource.Colette Aguerre and Jimmy Bordarie are lecturers in psychology at the University of Tours in Tours, France.This article was originally published in French by The Conversation under the Creative Commons Licence. Read the original here.

What is hypersensitivity? Two psychologists explain

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