Sensory Processing Sensitivity - Significance of the Trait for Diagnostics and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a temperamental trait that is partly hereditary. It is characterised by a general heightened sensitivity to internal and external stimuli, regardless of whether the stimuli are positive or negative. Consequently, heightened sensitivity can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on mental health and can act as both a protective and a risk factor, depending on the nature of the relevant influences. Highly sensitive people (HSP) with adverse childhood experiences are correspondingly more vulnerable to stress-related symptoms such as burnout, anxiety disorders and depression. In line with the increased responsiveness to supportive stimuli, initial studies show an increased effectiveness in the context of prevention, for example with regard to depression, as well as in relation to psychotherapy in highly sensitive children and adolescents. This indicates both a possibly increased vulnerability to adverse experiences and a potentially higher response to prevention and intervention by highly sensitive individuals. This review article will address this topic and discuss some implications for diagnostics and psychotherapy with children and adolescents.