ASMR and ADHD - Any Connection?

Here's a free link to my Medium article on ASMR: https://medium.com/wise-well/what-the...

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Main Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:12 Take home message
03:37 What is ASMR?
09:12 Effects of ASMR on the Body
11:35 Loud Warning for Headphone Users
15:01 Why do People Seek out ASMR?
18:56 ASMR and ADHD
23:21 ASMR and Sexuality
26:00 ASMR and Neurochemicals
28:11 Conclusion and Outro

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) was only described and named a decade and a half ago. It consists of a positive, tingly sensation at the base of the skull than can extend across the scalp, or down the spine. Specific triggers (sounds of whispering, tapping; seeing someone methodically and attentively attend to chores, brushing or cutting hair) trigger the ASMR response, which is accompanied by an unusual combination of physiologic arousal and relaxation. Watching/listening to internet videos are far and away the commonest way that individuals induce an ASMR state.

Users report that ASMR reduces anxiety, helps with sleep, and can improve mood for up to several hours. Brain research has found activation of somatosensory cortex and reward systems during active ASMR.

Preliminary research suggests that only a fraction (20% is widely) cited of the population are capable of ASMR responses. It remains unknown whether those with ADHD are more or less susceptible than the general population. Some have suggested, that since individuals with ASMR and ADHD both show patterns of less connection between certain brain networks, that ASMR might be a good fit to treat anxiety, sleep or depression problems among those with ADHD. Others caution that those with ADHD may be more likely than the general population to have aversive responses to ASMR videos.

References:
The effects of autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) on mood, attention, heart rate, skin conductance and EEG in healthy young adults (2022)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

From the Outside in: ASMR Is Characterised by Reduced Interoceptive Accuracy but Higher Sensation Seeking
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37758...

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) and the Functions of Consciousness (2024)
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/1...

ASMR as a treatment for ADHD:
https://pitjournal.unc.edu/2023/06/14...

Full Chapter list:
00:00 Intro
00:12 Take home message
03:37 What is ASMR?
06:08 Categories of ASMR Sounds
08:15 Common Uses of the Term ASMR
09:12 Effects of ASMR on the Body
11:35 Loud Warning for Headphone Users
12:19 Who Is Susceptible to ASMR?
15:01 Why do People Seek out ASMR?
16:13 Social Interaction
18:56 ASMR and ADHD
21:13 Misophonia (Mouth Noises Trigger Warning)
23:21 ASMR and Sexuality
26:00 ASMR and Neurochemicals
28:11 Conclusion and Outro

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Psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author John Kruse, MD, PhD presents practical, actionable, well-researched information about treatment options that scientists and clinicians recommend for adult ADHD and other mental health conditions. Subscribe if you're curious about how neuro-atypical brains can optimize their functioning in our shared, and somewhat strange, world.

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