Tracking Overstimulation

In the ADHD model, you can read about how sensory processing plays a role in symptoms such as attention deficit, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. When you’re overstimulated, you feel overwhelmed by the amount of sensory input and struggle to process new stimuli. Overstimulation can manifest in various ways, including in thinking, emotional, behavioural, and physical sensations. It can also be recognized through the reactions of others to, for example, your hyperactivity or mistakes you may make.

If you frequently experience overstimulation, it’s important to focus on reducing or moderating sensory input to alleviate your symptoms. This is known as sensory reduction and is a crucial component of ADHD treatment.

In NiceDay, you can add the Overstimulated tracker. (Press ‘+’ and press the cogwheel ⚙️)
This is a ready-to-use tracker that allows you to monitor the intensity of overstimulation along with examples of symptoms. By doing so, you can track the symptoms you experience when you feel overstimulated. This helps create a clear overview, enabling you to better recognize signs of overstimulation and intervene earlier.
For example, you can work with your therapist to create a visually appealing overview on paper or a digital whiteboard using a thermometer or traffic light format.

Sources

• Vink, S. (2021). Cognitieve gedragstherapie bij volwassenen met ADHD. Handleiding voor therapeuten. BSL.
• Vink, S (2021). Los van de chaos. Werkboek voor cliënten. BSL.
• https://www.ggzstandaarden.nl/zorgstandaarden/adhd/