Sensory processing in depression: Assessment and intervention perspective

Abstract

Few studies have examined sensory processing in mood disorders, including depression. The interactions between sensory inputs and adaptive behaviour have yet to be clarified in this pathology. We assessed sensory profiles among people with major depressive disorder (MDD) with the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile scale and determined whether sensory processing patterns were associated with clinical variables such as anxiety, depression, psychomotor retardation or self‐esteem. We compared 25 participants with MDD (MDD group) and 25 healthy controls (HC group) to identify sensory processing patterns (low registration, sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation scale were used to assess depressive symptomatology. Both groups completed the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Frontal Assessment Battery and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Inventory. The MDD group significantly differed from the HC group in each sensory processing patterns. They had higher low registration (p < 0.001), sensory sensitivity (p < 0.001) and sensation avoidance (p < 0.001) and lower sensation seeking (p = 0.005) than HC. Extreme sensory processing patterns in MDD patients were linked to depressive symptomatology, including anxiety. Sensory processing disorders should be assessed and taken into account when developing nondrug treatment strategies.

Sensory profile and adaptation in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder without cognitive impairment

“…This finding has been reported in the literature even in individuals without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders (Cervin, M., 2023, andConelea, Carter &Freeman, 2014). Paquet et al (2022) found that high levels of sensory processing difficulties are associated with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Difficulties in sensory processing, both excessive and deficient, are also linked to lower performance in daily life tasks, even in the absence of cognitive disabilities.…”

Sensory processing, autonomic nervous function, and social participation in people with mental illnesses

“…Furthermore, individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ASD yield higher sensory avoidance scores than those with typical development. Patients with depression also exhibit extreme sensory processing patterns that are higher in all four quadrants compared to healthy controls, and this has been found to be associated with depressive symptoms, including anxiety (Paquet et al, 2022). A study examining the effect of differences in sensory processing patterns on children’s participation in leisure activities found that avoidance scores were negatively correlated with a preference for social activities (Ismael et al, 2015).…”

Depression and suicide: What an evidence‐based clinician should know

“…Sensory processing disorders have been described in people with depression and might be a trait of individuals suffering from major depression (Engel‐Yeger et al, 2018 ). In the article of Paquet et al ( 2022 ), it was investigated whether sensory profiles assessed with the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile Scale among French patients with Major Depressive Disorder were associated with anxiety, depression, psychomotor retardation or self‐esteem. Results revealed that extreme sensory processing patterns emerged among patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder.…”