Sensory Responses, Anxiety and ADHD

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on the relationship between ADHD, sensory overresponsivity and anxiety. Forty eight children in total were studied with and without ADHD. The children were assessed using the Sensory Over-Responsivity Inventory and the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS). Results indicated that the children who had ADHD and sensory overresponsivity were significantly more anxious than the ADHD and non-ADHD children. In addition, the children with ADHD and sensory over-responsivity were more likely to have clinically significant anxiety as per the RCMAS.

Reference: Stacey Reynolds-PhD, OTR/L, Shelly J. Lane-PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA (2009) Sensory Overresponsivity and Anxiety in Children With ADHD AJOT Volume 63 (4).