Psychology Facts

▼ Misophonia ▼

As someone who has been diagnosed with this, on behalf of every person in the world,

CHEW WITH YOUR MOUTH CLOSED!!! THIS ISN'T A BARN YOU HORSE! Much thanks xx - the whole world

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》Misophonia, also called selective sound 》sensitivity syndrome, is a condition in which certain sounds trigger an outburst marked by irritation, anger, or aggression.

》People with misophonia react in an extreme and often emotional way to certain "trigger" sounds. Reactions range from annoyance, running away, or even rage with some individuals lashing out violently.

》Misophonia is NOT simply just being irritated by certain sounds. There has to be a drastic physical response.

》The term misophonia did not arise to describe the condition until the year 2000, although the condition was described much earlier as selective sound sensitivity syndrome. Awareness of the disorder has increased since several news stories aired nationally on the disorder in 2011.

》The primary symptom of misophonia is an extreme reaction in response to other people making certain sounds.

》These reactions may include:

Anger

Avoidance

Annoyance

Disgust

Verbal or physical aggression

》The exact causes of misophonia are not known, but there are a number of factors that may play a role:

Brain chemistry: Some research suggests that people with misophonia may have greater connectivity between the anterior insular cortex (AIC), an area of the brain important in emotional processing, and the auditory cortex.

Other mental conditions: People who also have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette syndrome, and anxiety disorders are also more likely to have misophonia.

Tinnitus: Misophonia is more common in people who also have tinnitus, a condition in which people hear noises, often a ringing sound, that no one else can hear.

Genetics: Misophonia tends to run in families, so it is likely there is a genetic component that increases the risk of developing the condition.

》Because of its novelty, misophonia research is still in its infancy and not readily accepted in the scientific community as a distinct and valid disorder

》The response a person with misophonia has to these triggers is often called "autonomic" and sometimes compared to the body's "fight or flight" response.

》People with this chronic condition often report feelings of panic, rage, and anxiety in response to triggering noises.

》People with misophonia may go to great lengths to avoid being exposed to triggering noises. They may isolate themselves socially, or invent interesting coping mechanisms. Some may wear headphones or produce other noises to drown out triggering sounds.

》The following are common triggers:

Breathing

Chewing

Clicking

Dishes clattering or spoons scraping on dishes

Dogs barking

Fingernail clipping

Fingernail tapping

Gulping

Lip-smacking

Nose wheezing

Nose whistling

Slurping

Sneezing

Sniffing

Snorting

Whistling

Yawning

》The proposed criteria suggest that misophonia is characterized by:

Anticipating that a certain sound will result in irritation, anger, or disgust

Feelings of anger initiating a loss of control

Avoidance of known triggering sounds or tolerating this sounds with extreme anger, discomfort, or disgust

Significant distress that interferes with normal daily activities

These feelings are not better explained by another mental disorder or medical condition

》Some coping strategies you can try:

Wearing earplugs in situations where you will be exposed to a trigger noise

Using a white noise machine to help block out certain noises

Wearing earphones in case you start to feel overwhelmed

Turning on music or the television for some background noise

Practicing good stress management techniques
Adjusting your setting so that you are exposed to trigger noises less frequently

Having a plan in place for when you feel an outburst is imminent, such as leaving the room or practicing a relaxation technique such as deep breathing or visualization

》There are currently no established treatments for misophonia. However, some treatment options that may be beneficial include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)

Medications