Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
05:48
The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
6.2K
Sensory profiles in adults with and without ADHD
M S Kamath1, C R Dahm2, J R Tucker3
1School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
Research in Developmental Disabilities
|June 12, 2020
Summary
Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) report heightened sensory sensitivities, both over- and under-responsiveness. These sensory differences persist even when accounting for internalizing behaviors, suggesting they are linked to ADHD itself.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Human Sensory Perception
Background:
- Previous research indicated adults with ADHD exhibit increased fingertip force production compared to controls.
- Impaired somatosensation is a potential factor contributing to ADHD-related force differences.
- Comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety, which affects sensory responsivity, necessitates controlling for internalizing behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate self-reported sensory experience differences in adults with and without ADHD.
- To specifically control for the influence of internalizing behaviors on sensory perception in ADHD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 45 adults, including 23 diagnosed with ADHD, participated.
- Participants underwent a semi-structured ADHD diagnostic interview.
- The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and Achenbach Adult Self Report (ASR) were administered.
Main Results:
- Adults with ADHD reported significantly higher sensory hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity compared to neurotypical adults.
- Key differences were observed in low registration, sensation seeking, and sensory sensitivity scores.
- No significant group differences were found for sensation avoiding, or for specific sensory modalities including movement, visual, touch, activity, audition, or taste/smell.
Conclusions:
- Sensory hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity may represent characteristic features of adult ADHD.
- Internalizing behaviors demonstrably impact the perception of sensory experiences.
- Future research on sensory processing in adult ADHD must account for internalizing behaviors.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
631
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.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
631
03:34Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
48.5K
Attachment is a long-standing connection or bond with others. While Attachment Theory was conceived in developmental psychology to describe infant-caregiver bonding, it's been extended into adulthood to include romantic relationships.
48.5K
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
804
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
804
01:26Modeling in Therapy
312
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
312
01:28Adler's Individual Psychology
2.0K
Alfred Adler, a prominent figure in psychology, founded the school of individual psychology. In contrast to Freud's emphasis on sexual or aggressive motives, Adler suggested that individuals are primarily motivated by their purposes and goals. He believed that people strive for perfection rather than pleasure. Adler argued that individuals could creatively act upon their genetic inheritance and environmental experiences to shape their own lives, emphasizing conscious motivation over...
2.0K
01:28Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles
276
Attachment theory, developed initially to explain infant–caregiver bonds, has been extended to illuminate patterns of intimacy in adult romantic relationships. Psychologists Cindy Hazan and Phillip Shaver proposed that the attachment styles observed in infancy form a framework for how individuals approach emotional closeness and conflict in adulthood. These attachment styles—secure, avoidant, and anxious—are linked to enduring patterns of behavior and emotional regulation in...
276