New research from the University of Surrey has found that highly sensitive people are at greater risk of developing mental health problems.
It has discovered a link between sensitivity and conditions like depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder.
This is due to some processing sensory information more deeply, making them more easily overwhelmed and overstimulated.
Michael Pluess, professor of developmental psychology at the university, called the evidence “compelling”.
The research, based on 33 previously published studies, suggests that it is key for mental health professionals to recognise this trait in their patients and customise their treatments in order to be more effective.
It also said the highly sensitive are more likely to respond better to different psychological therapies compared to those who are less so.
“This suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health care may be inappropriate,” said Prof Pluess, who worked with the Queen Mary University of London on the findings.
“This isn’t about pathologising sensitivity, it’s about acknowledging its characteristics that require a more nuanced approach.”
In addition, the study suggests that future research should assess the effectiveness of specific psychological therapies, such as cognitive restructuring, mindfulness and emotion-focused interventions, for patients with differing levels of sensitivity.