When I first got diagnosed, my doctor told me that he believed ADHD was named incorrectly. We DO–just often not to the things that we’re “supposed” to be paying attention to. It’s a classic misnomer that people with ADHD don’t pay attention. It’s one of the more challenging parts for both HSPs and ADHDers.īoth HSPs and ADHDers are Aware of Subtle Changes in the Environment That leads to heighted sensitivity which looks very similar to that same Highly Sensitive Person problem. It’s also why ADHD is often misdiagnosed for a mood disorder or a personality disorder (also according to researchers).īecause the brain connectivity networks that carry information (including emotion information) don’t work well for people with ADHD and they have working memory challenges, a momentary emotion can flood the brain and crowd out any other functions that could help moderate that emotion. Researchers argue that mood disregulation is a core part of ADHD (so why it doesn’t show up in the diagnostic criteria frustrates the hell out of me). It’s called ADHD Hypersensitivity or Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. That it’s also an ADHD thing, IS a surprise to many, however. The fact that it’s an HSP trait isn’t a surprise. It’s why they often wonder “why am I so sensitive” and why they’ve been told most of their life that they are overly sensitive. If you know much about the HSP trait, you’ll know this is one of the first things that jump out at you. Let’s go over a few of the crossovers in more detail, especially since this is where the breakdown in understanding ADHD occurs.īoth HSPs and ADHDers can get easily overwhelmed by emotion, rejection, and criticism. Granted, this is not a comprehensive list on either Highly Sensitive Person problems or traits, nor the ADHD life, but it is a pretty thorough overview so my statement stands. High emphasis on avoiding overwhelming/upsetting situationsĭo you find it as interesting as I do that the both list is so much longer than either of the other two?.Irritated by too many requests at one time.Often people pleasers and perfectionists*.Rattled by a lot to do in a short amount of time.Other people’s moods deeply affect them*.Craves the right amount and type of stimulation*.Difficulty with prioritizing and time management.It’s unpleasant when a lot is going on around theĪttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms (Inattentive and hyperactive types).Tend to just “know” why people are uncomfortable.Deeply affected by delicate art, tastes, music….If it has a star, there’s a little more explanation warranted.Not every HSP person has all of these HSP traits just like not every ADHDer has all of these ADHD traits.
Here are some HSP ADHD similarities and differences.Īs you read this, keep these two things in mind: She said that she thought HSP and ADHD were exact opposites. I know I’ve encountered them I’m sure you have too. Unfortunately, many therapists, psychiatrists and other doctors seem to have that same misunderstanding. I appreciated her transparency in sharing that she isn’t an ADHD expert, especially since her answer misrepresented ADHD. Unfortunately, it seems she doesn’t realize the overlap either. Aron was asked about the similarities between the HSP and ADHD. It describes approximately 20% of the population who have a heightened sensitivity to subtle changes in their environment, experience, and others.ĪDHD and HSP overlap quite a bit. In case you are unfamiliar, the Highly Sensitive Person is a term coined by researcher Dr. Here’s a hint: people with both HSP and ADHD will often ask themselves before learning more, “Why am I so sensitive?!” The HSP ADHD discussion really shows that misunderstanding in a big way. Too many people have an obvious misunderstanding of what ADHD really looks like and how it impacts those of us with it.
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