ADHD overwhelm happens when the brain becomes overloaded with either sensory, emotional, or cognitive stimuli, resulting in a feeling of mental and emotional saturation.
It has been described as a state of mental exhaustion caused by the brain’s difficulty in filtering and prioritising information. When faced with competing demands, the ADHD brain can struggle to prioritise effectively, resulting in an inability to move forward.
Research by Brown (2005) states that this difficulty is not a failure of effort but a by-product of the ADHD brain’s heightened sensitivity to external and internal stimuli. This sensitivity may cause people to experience more information at once, amplifying the sense of being overwhelmed.
Causes and Triggers
ADHD overwhelm arises from a combination of environmental, sensory, and emotional factors. Studies by Zylowska et al. (2008) have shown that sensory stimuli, such as loud environments or bright lights, are processed more intensely by those with ADHD. This hypersensitivity can lead to overstimulation, making it challenging to focus.
Emotionally, overwhelm is often linked to “task paralysis,” a phenomenon where the brain becomes so fixated on the difficulty of a task that it cannot initiate action (Pope et al., 2007). For people with ADHD, even small decisions can snowball into seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The cognitive demands of organising, planning, and remembering exacerbate this effect, creating a mental gridlock.
Positives Within the Experience
However, while normally experienced as a challenge, ADHD overwhelm can also offer some strengths.
Research into the concept of hyperfocus, suggests that the brain’s ability to deeply engage with tasks during moments of overwhelm can lead to innovative problem-solving (Ashinoff & Abu-Akel, 2019). These moments of clarity and focus tend to emerge once the overwhelming stimuli are processed or prioritised, revealing the ADHD brain’s capacity for exceptional work under pressure.
Also, ADHD overwhelm demonstrates the ADHD brain’s heightened empathy and emotional sensitivity. While these traits can contribute to feeling overwhelmed in emotionally charged situations, they also make individuals with ADHD more attuned to the needs of others. This ability to connect on a deeper level often results in strong interpersonal relationships and a capacity for understanding complex emotional dynamics.
The Role of Context
ADHD overwhelm is highly context-dependent. Sonuga-Barke et al. (2010) argue that environmental factors, such as workplace or educational settings, play a critical role in determining how overwhelm manifests. Supportive environments that allow for flexibility and understanding can mitigate the negative effects of overwhelm while amplifying the strengths associated with ADHD.
In situations where people with ADHD feel safe and supported, their overwhelm can transform into an intense passion for projects or tasks. The ability to “dive deep” into subjects, even in the face of multiple competing demands, often leads to breakthroughs in creative and professional fields.
References
- Ashinoff, B. K., & Abu-Akel, A. (2019). Hyperfocus: The Forgotten Frontier of Attention. Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 4(1), 1-11.
- Brown, T. E. (2005). Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults. Yale University Press.
- Pope, C., Dudley, J., & Scott, S. (2007). ADHD and Task Paralysis. Journal of Attention Disorders, 11(2), 141–151.
- Sonuga-Barke, E. J. S., Wiersema, J. R., van der Meere, J. J., & Roeyers, H. (2010). Context-Dependent Dynamic Processes in ADHD. Neuropsychology Review, 20(1), 86–102.
- Zylowska, L., Smalley, S. L., & Schwartz, J. M. (2008). Sensory Sensitivity in Adults with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 12(6), 485–491.