What causes HSP? It’s thought that being a highly sensitive person can be a hereditary trait. But there can be other factors at play like your environment and your experiences as a child. “If you had childhood trauma, you may likely be a highly sensitive person,” states Dr. Childs. “With trauma, we become hyper-vigilant.

It is believed that those with the trait are born with a nervous system that is wired differently from most people, making them more sensitive to stimuli in their environment. Additionally, certain personality traits such as being introverted or having an increased empathy towards others may also contribute to a person becoming highly sensitive.

What Causes High Sensitivity? Scientific research points to genetic roots for high sensitivity, as well as certain childhood experiences and environments. Research suggests an association exists between high sensitivity and certain variations of the serotonin transporter gene, which increases a person’s sensitivity to their environment.

High sensitivity is thought to have genetic roots, and some specific gene variants have been associated with the trait. But early childhoodenvironments may play a role as well; evidence suggests that early experiences may have an epigenetic effecton the genesassociated with sensitivity.