Neuroscience and sensitivity – our superior colliculus and amygdala
A recent news item by ScienceDaily reported on research that may explain more about the neuroscience that underlies high sensitivity.
“Researchers have discovered that a primitive region of the brain responsible for sensorimotor control also has an important role in regulating emotional responses to threatening situations.
“This region appears to work in concert with another structure called the amygdala to regulate social and emotional behavior.”
The story explains, “Georgetown University Medical Center researchers have recently discovered that activation of a primitive brain region, the deep layers of superior colliculus (DLSC), elicits defensive behaviors such as an exaggerated startle, hypervigilance, cowering, and escape…. in addition to triggering defensive behaviors, the activation of DLSC leads to a decrease in affiliative social interactions.”
Like mainstream media – and probably psychiatry in general – this news story was framed in terms of dysfunction: “Researchers say it is possible that a prolonged activation of this defense system may lead to emotional disorders” including post traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety disorders.
[From Two Brain Structures Key To Emotional Balance Especially In Threatening Situations, ScienceDaily (Oct. 23, 2009)]
As we know who have one, a highly sensitive nervous system is not necessarily a “disorder.”
That is not to discount very real medical and mental health issues, such as anxiety, and PTSD – which can include very disruptive or disabling behaviors, emotions, and another kind of over-activation of the nervous system: hypervigilance.
That is something actor Ashley Judd experienced.
She had a “very unsafe” and disruptive childhood, and became what she calls a “hypervigilant child.”
From post Developing creativity: hypervigilance and highly sensitive people
Related post: Highly sensitive people: latent inhibition and creativity
My book and website on fibromyalgia are based upon the theory of the HSP. I would like to hear from others on my site http://www.womenandfibromyalgia.com who have experienced other physical manifestations of living as an HSP. In particular my book delves into this in detail. Barbara Keddy PhD
[...] article highlights brain studies that show specific parts of the brain that activate our defensive [...]
I was a hyper-vigilant child who lived with a gestapo-like mother. I became a hyper-vigilant adult who catered to the needs of others in order to survive. Now I am, or am trying to be, my true self.
I used creative/therapeutic writing as a tool to understand the confusing, contradictory world I lived in as a child. I am amazed at how the brain can work to protect a person and help them to heal.
I am glad that research is being done on this subject. I know there are many people out there like me. My heart goes out to them. I know their pain.
I Know You
I see you
your eyes pleading
your wind-driven soul
your pain
I hear you
your heaving sighs
your constricted voice
your silent cries
I know you
how your tears
fall behind your eyes
how your resilient face
hides pain
That look
that smile
those eyes
I know your soul
beneath that outward glow
how it struggles to breathe
to live
to love
I salute you kindred soul