| Neurophysiological Signatures of Sensory-Processing Sensitivity: A Review of Brain Circuitry and Implications for Sensory Disorders |
| Paper ID : 1264-IGA |
| Authors |
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Sogol Fereydouni Balangani * Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria |
| Abstract |
| Abstract Background and Aim: Sensory-Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a personality characteristic marked by increased sensitivity to emotional and environmental stimuli. People with elevated SPS demonstrate more profound cognitive processing, heightened emotional responses, and increased awareness of subtle stimuli. Though SPS isn't categorized as a disorder, it shares sensory characteristics observed in clinical conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, and sensory processing disorder (SPD). This review seeks to integrate recent neurophysiological discoveries regarding SPS, emphasizing brain circuitry and its relevance to sensory-related disorders. Methods: A thorough investigation was carried out utilizing the Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases for articles that have been peer-reviewed and published from 2015 to the present. Research was included if it explored neurophysiological correlates of SPS through techniques like fMRI, EEG, MEG, or PET. Information regarding brain areas, neural connectivity, and sensory processing was gathered and examined. Results: Results indicate that persons with elevated SPS demonstrate heightened activity in brain areas associated with emotional regulation, social cognition, and sensory integration, such as the insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and superior temporal sulcus. Increased functional connectivity in both the default mode and salience networks has been noted as well. These patterns differ from those observed in clinical sensory disorders, though there are some overlapping characteristics. The neurophysiological characteristics of SPS reveal a distinct, non-disordered sensitivity that could make individuals prone to both weaknesses and adaptive abilities. Conclusion: SPS is linked to unique neural patterns that indicate heightened sensory and emotional processing. Comprehending these patterns can enhance the differentiation between SPS and sensory-related disorders, benefiting both research and clinical applications. Keywords: Sensory-processing sensitivity, Brain circuitry, Neurophysiology, Sensory integration, Emotional reactivity |
| Keywords |
| Keywords: Sensory-processing sensitivity, Brain circuitry, Neurophysiology, Sensory integration, Emotional reactivity |
| Status: Accepted |
