The Dutch Brain Foundation (Hersenstichting) has funded two new research projects at Amsterdam UMC on overstimulation.
Overstimulation in people with functional neurological disorder
The team is investigating overstimulation in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and functional neurological disorder (FND). This research is led by Dr. Brigit de Jong (Amsterdam UMC) and is being carried out in a national consortium with researchers from, among others, Amsterdam UMC and Leiden University. Co-researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at Amsterdam UMC are Dr. Sonja Rutten and Marleen Bracke.
The researchers aim to better understand what overstimulation actually is, how this symptom can be recognised, and how it relates to other complaints such as fatigue and cognitive problems. They are also investigating a new treatment to help people cope better with stimuli.
The ultimate goal is to develop an effective treatment for overstimulation that can be applied in healthcare.
“Overstimulation affects people with a brain disorder, such as MS and FND, every day. With this study, we are making this invisible symptom visible, understandable, and treatable.” – Sonja Rutten
Significant impact, but difficult to treat
Previous research by the Dutch Brain Foundation has found that many people with a neurological disorder and their relatives experience overstimulation as one of the most profound symptoms. Overstimulation has a major impact on work, social life, and mental wellbeing. In research into overstimulation, it is important to be clear about the definition of the term. In addition, recognising overstimulation is crucial. Care providers use questionnaires for this purpose, which are designed for specific conditions. Therefore, it is not known whether these questionnaires accurately measure overstimulation in other conditions. Moreover, there is no proven treatment that can prevent or reduce overstimulation. Understanding, recognising, and treating overstimulation is therefore essential.
New Research
In this project, scientists are investigating what overstimulation means for people with MS or FND. In MS, there is damage to the brain. In FND, the functioning of the brain is disrupted, without any damage being present. This very difference can help in this project to further develop knowledge for other neurological disorders.
The scientists will also examine how overstimulation is related to other symptoms and brain activity. In addition, they will test a new online treatment for overstimulation.
Interested? Read more about the project and funding on the website of the Dutch Brain Foundation (in Dutch): Overprikkeling: tijd voor begrip en behandeling – Hersenstichting
Better care for children with sensory processing difficulties
The second research project, SENSORY-Kids, focuses on children with sensory processing difficulties, such as those associated with autism, ADHD, or brain injury. This research is being conducted within a broad-based, national consortium. It is led by Prof. Dr. Hilgo Bruining of Amsterdam UMC, in collaboration with Dr. Martine van Dongen-Boomsma (Karakter, Center of expertise for child and adolescent psychiatry).
Many children have difficulty processing stimuli such as sound, light, or crowds. This can have significant consequences for their energy levels, concentration, and participation in school and social activities. In this project, researchers, healthcare providers, and patient organisations are collaborating to improve care for these children.
“Sensory processing is a dynamic interplay between innate ability, environment, and context. It can be demanding, but also beneficial, provided that children are supported from an ecological perspective.” – Hilgo Bruining
The goal is to identify sensory processing issues in children earlier and more effectively and to better coordinate care. By sharing knowledge and experiences within a national network, the researchers aim to ensure that children receive appropriate, evidence-based support more quickly.
Interested? Read more about the project and funding on the website of the Dutch Brain Foundation (in Dutch): Problemen met prikkels: betere zorg voor kinderen met ontwikkelingsstoornis – Hersenstichting