Highly Sensitive Brain : Research, Assessment, and Treatment of Sensory Processing Sensitivity

The Highly Sensitive Brain is the first handbook to cover the science, measurement, and clinical discussion of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), a trait associated with enhanced responsivity, awareness, depth-of-processing and attunement to the environment and other individuals. Grounded in theoretical models of high sensitivity, this volume discusses the assessment of SPS in children and adults, as well as its health and social outcomes. This edition also synthesizes up-to-date research on the biological mechanisms associated with high sensitivity, such as its neural and genetic basis. It also discusses clinical issues related to SPS and seemingly-related disorders such as misophonia, a hyper-sensitivity to specific sounds. In addition, to practical assessment of SPS embedded throughout this volume is discussion of the biological basis of SPS, exploring why this trait exists and persists in humans
and other species.

The Highly Sensitive Brain is a useful handbook and may be of special interest to clinicians, physicians, health-care workers, educators, and researchers.

• Presents a neurobiological perspective of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS)
• Provides assessment criteria and measurement tools for highly sensitive children and adults
• Discusses the health and social outcomes of being highly sensitive in children and adults
• Examines clinical issues related to high sensitivity
• Offers practical applications and a future vision for integrating high sensitivity in our society

Dr. Bianca P. Acevedo is a research scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara and lives in New York City where she engages in consulting work while writing. She has a B.A. in Psychology from NYU and a PhD in Social/Health Psychology from Stony Brook University. She has done extensive research on the neural basis of high sensitivity, attachment and romantic love, and mind-body interventions; and taught courses such as Positive Psychology, Social Neuroscience, and Close Relationships. Her book, “The Highly Sensitive Brain” was nominated for the 2021 PROSE Award, and she was the recipient of the 2012 International Women in Science Award. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, and the Alzheimer’s Association.