What is sensory overload? It is the overstimulation of one or more of the body’s five senses, which are touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste.

Sensory overload can affect anyone, but it commonly occurs in those with autism, (PTSD), sensory processing disorder,

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and certain other conditions.

Overload happens when one or more of the body’s five senses become overwhelmed. you’re getting more input from your five senses than your brain can sort through and process.

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It can happen in a crowded restaurant when the music is too loud, or when a passerby is wearing a strongly-scented perfume.

Sensory overload occurs when the brain struggles to interpret, prioritize, or otherwise process sensory inputs.

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It then communicates to the body that it is time to escape these sensory inputs. This message causes feelings of discomfort and panic.

In these situations, the brain receives too much information to be able to process it properly.

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Sensory overload leads to feelings of discomfort that range from mild to intense.

Everyone experiences sensory overload at some point in their lives. Some children and adults, however, experience it regularly and everyday situations can be challenging.

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Even going to the school or the office cafeteria can lead to sensory overload. The sounds of people talking loudly, strong smells of food, and flickering fluorescent lights can all trigger feelings of being overwhelmed and uncomfortable.

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What causes sensory overload?

Your brain functions like a beautiful, complicated computer system. Your senses relay information from your environment and your brain interprets the information and tells you how to react.

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But when there’s competing sensory information, your brain can’t interpret it all at the same time. For some people, this feels like getting “stuck”; your brain can’t prioritize what sensory information it needs to focus on.

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Your brain then sends your body the message that you need to get away from some of the sensory input you’re experiencing.

Your brain feels trapped by all the input it’s getting, and your body starts to panic in a chain reaction.

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Symptoms

The symptoms of sensory overload vary from one person to another.

Some people may be more sensitive to sound, e.g., while others may have issues with different textures.

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Common symptoms include:

* inability to ignore loud sounds, strong smells, or other types of sensory input
* a sense of discomfort
* anxiety and fear
* extreme sensitivity to clothing or other textures
* feeling overwhelmed or agitated
* irritability

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* loss of focus
* restlessness
* stress

In some people who experience sensory overload regularly, such as those with sensory processing disorder, there may be a biological basis for these processing problems.

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Diagnosis

As sensory overload is not an official disorder, it's not possible to get a formal diagnosis. However many doctors and HCPs recognize sensory overload, especially in autistic people and those who have ADHD and other related conditions.

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Before speaking to a doctor about sensory overload, it can be helpful for you to keep a diary of any sensory overload signs, symptoms, and triggers.

Triggers can include specific stimuli, such as loud sounds and bright lights,

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as well as factors such as tiredness and dehydration.

The doctor will probably ask several questions about the triggers and events surrounding episodes of sensory overload. In doing this, they hope to understand more fully how you experience sensory overload.

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Treatment

There is no specific treatment for sensory overload. Generally, the aim is to help people with frequent episodes of sensory overload to be able to plan for them and manage their reactions.

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Medications for co-occurring conditions may also reduce sensory overload.

Many people can manage episodes of sensory overload with specific techniques and home care. Individuals can try:

* keeping a diary of signs, symptoms, and triggers of sensory overload

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* avoiding triggers of sensory overload such as loud concerts or events with flashing lights, where possible

* asking others to help reduce sensory inputs, such as by turning down bright lights or opening a window when strong smells are present

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* identifying safe spaces to escape to when sensory overload occurs at school, work, or other venues

* staying near the exit when at a concert or party so that it is easy to leave if necessary

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* talking to teachers, colleagues, friends, and others about sensory overload and asking for their support in reducing sensory inputs
* taking regular breaks and getting enough rest and sleep
* drinking lots of water and eating a balanced diet

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* Take a list to the store to focus on the task at hand. This can help prevent becoming overwhelmed by the options, scents, and sounds when you’re shopping.
* Hold conversations in the corners of the room or in separate rooms when you’re at a big gathering.

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* Keep a plan with you when you enter a highly stimulating environment. Write your triggers down and identify safe spaces ahead of time and share the plan with someone you trust.

This can help reduce anxiety over sensory overload.

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* Plan to leave events early so you feel you have an escape.

More info here: Sensory overload: Symptoms, causes, and treatment https://buff.ly/2EkbYTw  via @mnt

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If you've experienced sensory overload, how have you dealt with it?

Example from tonight: my daughter and I love GILMORE GIRLS, but I couldn't listen to the snappy dialogue tonight with a migraine. I'm extremely sound-sensitive anyway. Turned it off.

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