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Psychophysical correlates in children with sensory modulation disorder (SMD)
Tami Bar-Shalita1, Jean-Jacques Vatine, Ze'ev Seltzer
1School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine of Hadassah and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem91240, Israel.
Physiology & Behavior
|October 10, 2009
Summary
Children with sensory modulation disorder (SMD) experience heightened pain perception and longer-lasting pain sensations. This study reveals abnormal processing of painful stimuli in these children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sensory modulation disorder (SMD) affects about 5% of children, causing over or under-responsiveness to stimuli.
- Children with sensory over-responsiveness (SOR) exhibit distress and avoidance behaviors, with abnormal electrodermal and brain responses.
- Previous research lacked quantitative sensory testing for somatosensory sub-modalities in children with SMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively characterize the somatosensory sub-modalities in children diagnosed with SMD.
- To investigate differences in sensory detection and pain thresholds between children with SMD and controls.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative sensory testing was performed on 78 children (44 with SMD, 34 controls) aged 6-10 years.
- Tested sensory modalities included thermal detection, tactile sensation, vibration, and thermal pain thresholds.
- Assessed pain intensity, prickle intensity, and after-sensations from prickle stimuli.
Main Results:
- SMD children demonstrated significant cool hypoesthesia compared to controls.
- Children with SMD reported higher pain intensity to pinprick and prickly stimuli.
- SMD children experienced significantly longer pain after-sensations following prickly stimuli.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to use quantitative sensory testing to characterize somatosensory sub-modalities in children with SMD.
- Results indicate that children with SMD perceive pain more intensely and for longer durations.
- Sensory over-responsiveness in SMD is linked to abnormal processing of suprathreshold noxious stimuli, not necessarily lowered sensory thresholds.
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
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To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
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01:15Sensory Modalities
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