5 Ways HSPs Brain Is Different And Why That Is Important To Understand?

As a highly sensitive person, one common sentiment that I often hear is the feeling of not belonging. This was something that I personally struggled with for most of my life, until I stumbled upon a crucial piece of information — the differences in our brains and nervous systems as HSPs. This newfound knowledge has truly been transformative for both myself and my clients, allowing us to view our sensitivity in a whole new light.

For many highly sensitive individuals, it can be overwhelming to constantly feel out of place or misunderstood by others. We may have internalized this feeling and believed there was something inherently wrong with us. But through research and personal experience, I have come to understand that being an HSP is simply a unique trait that comes with its own set of strengths and challenges.

In this article, I will share what I have learned about the distinctive characteristics found in the brains and nervous systems of highly sensitive people. These include heightened sensory processing sensitivity, emotional empathy, depth processing, among others. By understanding these differences, we can begin to appreciate our sensitivities instead of viewing them as weaknesses.

1.HSPS HAVE MORE ACTIVE MIRROR NEURONS WHICH EXPLAINS THEIR GIGANTIC CAPACITY FOR EMPATHY.

Mirror neurons are specialized brain cells that enable us to empathize with and understand the feelings of other people. These neurons help us recognize when someone is feeling sad, and can even make us relate to their emotional state in some way. As a result, people who are Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) tend to unconsciously absorb emotions from those around them without being aware of it.

2. HSPS’ EMOTIONS ARE EXTRA VIVID DUE TO A PART OF THE BRAIN CALLED THE VENTROMEDIAL PREFRONTAL CORTEX (VMPFC).

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is involved in the regulation of emotion, particularly its vividness. This emotional vividness differs from social cues such as mirror neurons, and instead pertains more to how intensely Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) feel emotions within in response to external environment stimuli. Consequently, HSPs are likely to have more intense feelings than other people due to their vmPFC being highly sensitive and capable of noticing subtle emotional indicators.

3. HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON NEVER REALLY SHUTS OFF – EVEN AT REST.

Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) tend to think deeply about situations, even if they don't seem to have a tangible reaction in the present moment. HSPs might be reflecting on an event that happened three hours prior or pondering something from last month that suddenly crossed their mind.

4. AT LEAST THREE SETS OF GENES AND THEIR VARIANTS DISTINGUISH A HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON’S BRAIN FROM THE BRAIN OF A NON-HSP.

• SEROTONIN

Research suggests that while the brains of individuals with HS may have lower levels of serotonin, a mood-stabilizing neurotransmitter, they possess an enhanced ability to gain insights and develop skills in response to experiences. Therefore, those living with HSP traits may be able to better learn from life’s events than those without HSP traits.

• DOPAMINE

This distinguishes HSPs from others with regards to dopamine genes, as HSPs require less reward from external stimuli. This is because the pertinent dopamine gene variations are all related to dopamine receptors. As such, an HSP's need for reward originating from outside sources and situations is diminished when compared to individuals who do not possess these variants in their genes.

• NOREPINEPHRINE

A specific variation of the gene that produces the hormone norepinephrine is found more commonly in people with High Sensitivity Personality (HSPs). This genetic variation can lead to increased levels of emotional vividness, meaning if you possess this gene variant, you are likely to experience emotions more intensely.

5. FOR BETTER OR WORSE, HSPS’ CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AFFECT THEM MORE THAN DO THE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES OF NON-HSP.

Research suggests that Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are more likely to experience trauma than those who are not highly sensitive. This is because HSPs have a more reactive and sensitive nervous system, making them more susceptible to psychological distress, including trauma. They may also be more emotionally invested in their life experiences and thus can build up greater emotional memories associated with traumatic events. Additionally, research has shown that people with higher levels of sensitivity tend to have an increased response in the limbic system--the area of the brain responsible for emotion processing as well as memory formation--which could lead to an amplified reaction and response when experiencing traumatic events. These combined factors contribute to why HSPs may experience greater trauma than others who are not highly sensitive.

6. HSPS’ EMOTIONS ARE EXTRA VIVID DUE TO A PART OF THE BRAIN CALLED THE VENTROMEDIAL PREFRONTAL CORTEX (VMPFC).

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is involved in emotion regulation, specifically the vividness of emotions. It is not socially driven (unlike mirror neurons), but more centered on how intensely Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) feel inside in comparison to what stimuli they are exposed to from their external environment. As a result, HSPs often experience stronger emotions than other people due to the sensitivity of their vmPFC — it can detect small emotional nuances and react accordingly.

It is good to remember, that sensitivity is an intricate trait that differs between individuals and is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Our genes might provide us with a baseline level of sensitivity, but our life experiences as well as the way we are raised can affect it too. Taking into consideration your own level of sensitivity will allow you to make the most out of your life by embracing the different aspects.

This article is based on and references Dr. Elaine Aron’s and Dr Elaine Daniels work.