The Biology of HSP's

High Sensitivity is not just some random category of people. It's a biologically based trait and, according to Dr. Elaine Aron, you either have it or you don't. Scientists have noted a number of biological differences between HSP's and non-HSP's. I, personally, find it comforting to understand this is real and not just something I made up as an excuse so I can be treated with kid gloves as I was led to believe growing up.

Evidence of the trait has been found in the genes. One study found that rhesus monkeys and humans with the trait have a genetic variation that results in lower serotonin levels in the brain. These already low serotonin levels are further reduced by exposure to stress. While reduced serotonin is associated with a greater tendency toward depression, according to research done in Denmark, it can also have benefits.

These benefits include "improved memory of learned material, better decision making, and overall better mental functioning, plus gaining even more positive mental health than others from positive life experiences". Also, "rhesus monkeys with this trait, if raised by skilled mothers, were more likely to show 'developmental precocity', resilience to stress, and be leaders of their social groups." A group in China found 7 different dopamine-controlling genes associated with HSP in humans. Dopamine is a brain chemical associated with transmission of information in the brain. This is relevant as we know individuals who have the HSP trait are known to process information more intensely than non-HSP's.

Further evidence has been found in brain studies. One study showed "more brain activation in HSPs than others in an area called the insula, a part of the brain that integrates moment to moment knowledge of inner states and emotions, bodily position, and outer events." According to other research "when there was emotion in [a] photo, sensitive persons showed increased activation in the insula, but also more activity in their mirror neuron system, especially when looking at the happy faces of loved ones."

Another way of looking at this is that some members of any population process dopamine/seratonin differently and have different activation patterns of the insula and mirror neurons. Collectively, we call this set of biological conditions HSP.

There are many, many studies, psychological as well, but mainly I wanted to focus on the biology in order to demonstrate this is very, very real and proven. It just hasn't gotten out to the wider public, likely for a few different reasons. The cynical side of me believes it's largely due to the fact that this is not a diagnosis that can be treated with pharmaceuticals, so there's no money to be made on it. Also, it's not a crisis like a disease, political conflict or weather related disaster.

It is however a quality of life issue for both HSP and non-HSP individuals and we'll all be better off if we take some time to understand it. My husband says its as if Michael Phelps had never seen a swimming pool and had always been told he was a terrible runner. Aren't we all better off letting him swim? For me, I feel like I spent most of my life before now in a defensive posture. I know for sure that if I'd been brought up knowing I have this trait and knowing how to properly care for myself, I would have been able to harness and benefit from its gifts.

To learn more, please refer to the source of this information here.

#hsp #hspresearch #hspbiology