Misophonia is a psychology related disorder in which individuals experience abnormally negative and strong reactions to familiar sounds made by humans. Common sounds that trigger people suffering from this condition include breathing or chewing. While getting irritated by regular, everyday sounds is not unusual, people with this condition often have angry reactions, making them want to hit out or scream.
Such emotional and physical reactions are similar to the fight or flight responses that cause people to feel rage, panic, or anxiety.
Misophonia Facts You May Not Know About
Here is a list of some uncommon misophonia facts you may not be aware of;
- This health order was identified fairly recently, and there are limited treatment options for it
- Sometimes, an individual’s reaction to triggering sounds can be so intense that it can interfere with their daily life
- Not every sound is an issue for people suffering from sound sensitivity
Is Misophonia a Psychological Condition?
People with this condition often have an intense hatred for certain sounds. Experts often characterize it as sensitivity to repetitive activities like snorting, chewing, coughing, sniffing, etc., resulting in anger, disgust, and irritation, negatively impacting everyday life. The precise nature of this disorder has been quite perplexing for clinicians as they are still determining whether it is a physical or psychological disorder.
Most experts believe that misophonia is partly a physical and psychological problem, but there isn’t enough evidence to support these claims. Therefore, the treatments for the condition exist in many forms, i.e., some addressing psychological and some physical problems.
Is Misophonia Treatable?
So far, there aren’t any particular treatments or medications for treating misophonia. Some unconsciously mimic the sounds they find offensive as it helps them handle uncomfortable scenarios. Moreover, people with misophonia often create coping mechanisms to find relief.
Here are some tips for dealing with misophonia at home:
- Using music and headphones to drown out noises
- Limiting noise reduction with the help of earplugs
- Practicing meditation, relaxation, and self care to reduce stress
- Avoiding any situation or place that has triggering sounds
- Seeking therapy
- Talking to family members or friends
Misophonia Symptoms to Keep in Mind
Extreme reactions are arguably the most common misophonia characteristic to keep in mind. People with this condition often have aggressive or angry reactions to triggering sounds. The reaction’s severity and how people respond to certain sounds tend to vary greatly. While some individuals may experience irritation and annoyance, others may seethe with rage.
Both women and men develop this condition at young or old ages. Usually, however, people start exhibiting symptoms early in the latter part of their childhood or teen years. It is also worth keeping in mind that the initial misophonia episodes in most people happen because of one particular sound. Over time, however, they become sensitive to other sounds too.
In some cases, the intensity of the reactions becomes so severe that people start believing they don’t have control over their minds. Mentioned below are some telltale signs of misophonia symptoms:
- Becoming irritated, followed by severe anger
- Getting disgusted, followed by extreme anger
- Becoming physically or verbally aggressive towards the individual making noise
- Lashing out physically or verbally
Misophonia and Psychology: Final Thoughts
It must be abundantly clear that misophonia can severely hinder the sufferer’s everyday life. That’s why it is vital to seek help without wasting time. Stephen Katz at the Misophonia Treatment Center™ can help you.
Once you contact us to book an appointment, we will analyze your condition and suggest an effective solution.
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
646-585-2251
Tele-Video Sessions
Speaks 5 languages
International Patients Welcome