tactile defensiveness or sensory overload in Adults - 51 year old male

[rbrbrc2]

I'm a 51 year old male that has always had trouble with sensory overload -- i.e tags in clothes, wind blowing on bare skin, clothing textures (can wear only soft clothes and even that is irritating), tags and seams on clothing, Hot weather - Irritated by Sweating (requires several showers a day in hot weather), overly sensitive to smells, jump when sleeping if talked to or touched, overly sensitive to lights and sounds at night (clock ticking, alarm clock lights, etc.).  It’s getting worse as I get older.  I can find very little information on adults with this type of problem.  I am a fairly successful individual, college graduate with three kids that do not have this issue (although I know my dad disliked tags and rough clothes).  I prefer small crowds, and end seats at events. I am constantly on edge.  I’ve down the psychologist thing (very helpful in anxiety situations like giving briefings at work which terrified me (and still does but at least I can get through it), meditation, even several alternative therapies but nothing has helped with the issues I mention above.  I’m very very tired of it all and would like some help if there is any to be had.  Are their medications that can make your skin less sensitive to particular clothes – that would be enough for me – the rest I can live with – Can anyone offer any suggestions or help?


  

[dkpoto]

Dr. Daniel Amen created an extensive ADHD Symptom Checklist. What you describe is on the checklist.

http://www.adhd-information-exchange.com/ADHD-Symptom-Checklist.html

My problem was more sudden loud nosies like thunder and simultaneous cheering at large events. However, if someone tapped me on the shoulder, I jumped like the person shocked me. It all has to do with the way our brain is wired. This is one aspect of ADHD that medications may not help.