As misophonia is a condition still in its early infancy, research wise, there is not the same range of treatment options for it as there are for some more widely recognized health problems. Consequently, people living with misophonia tend to be offered treatments which are either therapy focused, or have a strong self-management element to them.
Typical Therapy Based Treatments
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
This approach calls on a mixture of sound therapy and education, including learning about the condition and how it works.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A specific talking therapy, this focuses on how you relate to the world and others, and how your actions are related to your feelings. The major emphasis is on coping with the current situation, rather than historical events.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis can be extremely effective at encouraging relaxation and calm, and it has the added advantage of enabling the patient to tap into these coping mechanisms, once rooted in the subconscious, as and when they are needed in the future.
Self-Management Solutions
Journaling
Recording thoughts, feelings, details of attacks, and the circumstances leading to triggers is a good way to provide a tangible history of the condition. Some people find it useful to look back and identify patterns for both good and bad days.
Making Choices
Part of living with misophonia is about taking control of the condition, and this may involve making choices about which events and gatherings you will attend, which can be managed by wearing headphones or avoiding notable trigger people, and which will be passed on, as avoiding over-exposure really helps you in the battle to take control of this condition.
Support Groups
These exist both on and offline, and there are definite advantages to joining one, or both types. It can be a huge relief to have the freedom to chat and share experiences of a condition with those who know exactly what you are talking about. Online support is especially useful as there are fewer time constraints, so it can be accessed pretty much 24/7.
Although the possible treatment options seem a little piecemeal they can be quite effective if used in the right combinations. It is important that a bespoke approach is used, so the ideas selected are chosen to suit the individual attitude, needs and circumstances of each person seeking help.
To learn more about treating this condition make an appointment now with the top misophonia specialist in NYC.