Hyper: A Real Emotion Or Just An Excitable State?

Hyperemotionality, or hyper-emotion, is a term used to describe the experience of intense emotions that exceed what is typically observed in others. It can manifest as heightened sensitivity and strong reactions to everyday situations. While hyper-emotion is not indicative of weakness or a mental health disorder, it can be a symptom of conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and sensory processing disorder. In the context of psychological illnesses, hyper-emotion can be understood through the hyper-emotion theory, which suggests that these illnesses are triggered by a cognitive evaluation that results in an intense emotional response inappropriate to the situation. This theory has been explored in relation to borderline personality disorder, with studies finding that patients with this disorder exhibit emotional hyper-reactivity to environmental stimuli, including positive, negative, and neutral stimuli.

Hyper-emotional defined

Hyper-emotionality, or being hyper-emotional, refers to an individual's tendency to experience emotions exceptionally intensely. This emotional intensity can lead to exaggerated reactions compared to neurotypical individuals. Hyper-emotional individuals may have heightened sensitivity to stimuli, which can impact their emotional responses. Their emotions can be triggered by challenges in focusing, impulsivity, or feeling overwhelmed by stimuli.

Hyper-emotionality can cause strong reactions to everyday situations and may lead to heightened sensitivity. Hyper-emotional reactions tend to be more intense, frequent, and may seem disproportionate to the situation when compared to typical emotional responses in others.

Hyper-emotionality is not a sign of weakness or a mental health disorder. It is simply a unique way of experiencing and expressing emotions that may require understanding and appropriate support. Hyper-emotionality can be observed in various neurodivergent conditions, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

In the context of ADHD, hyper-emotionality, also referred to as emotional hyperarousal or emotional dysregulation, is common among children and adults. It is characterised by intense, quickly shifting emotions that can precede impulsive behaviours.

In Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), individuals are described as being emotionally labile and hyper-reactive, with a lower threshold to environmental stimuli. They may over-respond to positive, negative, neutral, or ambiguous stimuli, particularly in the context of relationship issues with themes of loss/abandonment and/or encountering limits.

Emotional hyperarousal

People with emotional hyperarousal may be prone to meltdowns and can be described as dramatic, oversensitive, moody, or irritable. Their feelings are easily hurt, and they may have shorter fuses than their peers. This can often lead to misdiagnosis as a mood disorder, as the intense emotions associated with emotional hyperarousal can be triggered by external stimuli and resolve quickly. However, it is important to note that mood disorders are characterised by moods that have taken on a life of their own, separate from the events of a person's life, and last for more than two weeks. In contrast, emotions associated with emotional hyperarousal are typically triggered by events or perceptions and resolve rapidly.

In addition, a hyper-emotion theory of psychological illnesses has been proposed, suggesting that these illnesses are characterised by emotions that are appropriate to a situation but inappropriate in their intensity. This theory suggests that individuals with a propensity for psychological illness may reason better than more robust individuals, but only on topics relevant to their illness.

Hyper-emotion theory of psychological illnesses

The hyper-emotion theory of psychological illnesses posits that mental illnesses have an onset where a cognitive evaluation triggers a sequence of unconscious transitions, resulting in a basic emotion. This emotion, while appropriate to the situation, is intense and disproportionate. Each recurrence of this emotion leads individuals to focus on the precipitating situation and engage in characteristic patterns of inference that reinforce the illness.

Emotional Hyper-Reactivity

Emotional hyper-reactivity is a tendency to respond excessively to environmental stimuli, which can be negative, positive, or even neutral in nature. This heightened sensitivity is commonly observed in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). They may exhibit emotional volatility, anger, and regressive behaviour when perceiving the dissolution of a relationship or encountering a limit. This hyper-reactivity can also manifest as an intense positive reaction when their needs are understood and met.

Clinical Studies

Several clinical studies have provided empirical evidence for emotional hyper-reactivity in individuals with BPD. One study by Jennings involved exposing participants with and without BPD to pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant stimuli. Those with BPD demonstrated significantly greater startle responses, indicating pan-responsiveness to environmental stimuli.

Another study by Domes et al. examined unmedicated women with BPD and found that they struggled to suppress irrelevant aversive information, showcasing their sensitivity to external negative stimuli.

Therapeutic Approaches

Therapeutic approaches, such as schema-focused therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and systems training for emotional predictability and problem-solving, aim to address the emotional hyper-reactivity seen in individuals with BPD. These interventions focus on restructuring longstanding schemas, education, skills acquisition, and cognitive-behavioural techniques to help individuals manage their emotional responses more effectively.

Hyper-emotional in neurodiverse people

Neurodivergent individuals may experience hyper-emotionality or emotional dysregulation, which can manifest as intense emotional reactions or a lack of emotional response. This is particularly common in individuals with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Conditions, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

ADHD and Hyper-emotionality

Emotional hyperarousal is a common symptom of ADHD, characterised by intense and rapidly shifting emotions. However, these symptoms often go unrecognized by clinicians and are not included in diagnostic tests.

Autism and Emotional Dysregulation

Autistic individuals may struggle with emotional regulation, experiencing intense emotions that they cannot control. This can lead to autistic meltdowns or shutdowns, which are not a result of trauma, abuse, or neglect, but rather the individual's inability to regulate their emotions in a neurotypical manner. Autistic people may also exhibit alexithymia, difficulty recognising and identifying non-verbal cues, and understanding others' emotions.

It is important to note that autistic individuals do feel emotions, often intensely, but they may have trouble identifying and expressing them. This can result in misdiagnosis, as autistic women, for example, may be misdiagnosed with BPD or Bipolar Disorder due to their intense emotional displays.

Borderline Personality Disorder and Hyper-emotionality

Individuals with BPD tend to be emotionally hyper-reactive, exhibiting heightened sensitivity and responsiveness to both internal and external stimuli. They may over-respond or react in an emotionally volatile manner, particularly in situations involving relationship dissolution or encountering limits.

Neurodiversity and Anxiety

It is worth noting that anxiety is commonly associated with neurodivergence. About 40% of people with Autism Spectrum Conditions also experience anxiety, and between 25-40% of people with ADHD report anxiety. This anxiety can contribute to a cycle of 'tend and befriend', where individuals constantly worry and try to sort out everyone else's problems, leading to emotional overdrive and burnout.

Strategies for Emotional Regulation

For neurodivergent individuals, integrating sensory regulation into emotion regulation strategies is crucial for managing emotional dysregulation. This includes creating a sensory safety plan, identifying triggers, implementing soothing strategies, and establishing sensory-friendly spaces. By gaining a deeper understanding of their sensory needs and triggers, individuals can develop effective strategies to navigate overwhelming situations and maintain emotional well-being.

Managing hyper-emotional responses

Hyper-emotional responses are intense emotions that are difficult to control. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including early childhood trauma, child neglect, and chronic low levels of invalidation. These emotions can interfere with an individual's quality of life, social interactions, and relationships. Managing hyper-emotional responses can be challenging, but it is possible to develop the necessary skills. Here are some strategies to help:

Recognize the Impact of Your Emotions

It is important to understand that intense emotions are not inherently bad. They add excitement, uniqueness, and vibrancy to life. However, when emotions regularly get out of hand, they can lead to relationship conflicts, difficulty relating to others, and trouble at work or school. Take some time to reflect on how your uncontrolled emotions are affecting your daily life. This will help you identify problem areas and track your progress in managing them.

Aim for Regulation, Not Repression

It is crucial to find a balance between overwhelming emotions and suppressing them entirely. Repressing or suppressing emotions can contribute to mental and physical health issues. Instead, aim for healthy emotional expression by finding a middle ground between extreme emotions and emotional numbness.

Identify Your Emotions

Taking a moment to check in with yourself and identify your emotions can help you regain control. Ask yourself what you are feeling, why you are feeling this way, and if there are any alternative explanations for the situation. Consider your options for coping with these feelings and choose the most appropriate response. By reframing your thoughts, you can modify your initial extreme reaction.

Accept All Your Emotions

Accepting your emotions as they come can help you become more comfortable with them. This increases your comfort around intense emotions, allowing you to fully feel them without reacting in extreme or unhelpful ways. Try viewing your emotions as messengers that provide valuable information, rather than labelling them as "good" or "bad." Research suggests that accepting emotions may lead to greater life satisfaction and fewer mental health symptoms.

Keep a Mood Journal

Writing down your feelings and the responses they trigger can help you identify disruptive patterns and reflect on your emotions more deeply. Journaling allows you to recognize specific triggers and come up with more productive ways to manage your emotions. Try to journal daily, noting the triggers and your reactions, and explore more helpful possibilities for the future.

Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing exercises can help you ground yourself and create a sense of distance from intense emotions. When you feel your emotions taking control, breathe slowly from your diaphragm, hold your breath for a count of three, and then exhale slowly. You may also find it helpful to repeat a calming mantra, such as "I am calm" or "I am relaxed."

Choose the Right Time and Place to Express Yourself

While it is important to express your emotions, be mindful of your surroundings and the situation. There are times when it is appropriate to let your feelings out, such as grieving the loss of a loved one. However, in other situations, restraint is necessary. Screaming at your boss over an unfair disciplinary action, for example, is unlikely to be productive.

Create Distance from Intense Feelings

Creating distance from intense feelings can help you react to them in more reasonable ways. This distance can be physical, such as removing yourself from an upsetting situation. Alternatively, you can create mental distance by distracting yourself with a funny video, talking to a loved one, or spending time with a pet. Remember to return to your feelings later, as healthy distractions are only temporary.

Manage Your Stress

Stress can make it more challenging to manage your emotions. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress, such as mindfulness practices and meditation, can help make your emotions more manageable. Meditation teaches you to sit with your feelings, noticing them without judgment or the need to change them. Additionally, ensure you are getting enough sleep, connecting with friends, spending time in nature, and engaging in relaxing hobbies.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If your emotions continue to feel overwhelming, consider seeking support from a therapist. Long-term or persistent emotional dysregulation and mood swings may be linked to mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder. A therapist can provide compassionate and judgment-free support as you explore the factors contributing to your emotions and learn how to regulate them effectively.

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