Misophonia is a disorder in which people have abnormally strong and negative reactions to common sounds made by humans, such as chewing or breathing. The term means ‘hatred of sound’, but not all sounds are a problem for people with this s acoustic ensibilidad.
It is not uncommon for some people to get irritated by some everyday sounds. But for people with misophonia, the sound of someone smacking their lips or fiddling with a pen can make them want to scream or even hit something. These physical and emotional reactions to innocent sounds are similar to the “fight or flight” response and can provoke feelings of anxiety, panic, and anger.
How is it treated?
Specific medications or treatments for misophonia have not yet been found, but these people have developed certain coping mechanisms to achieve some relief:
– Use headphones and music to drown out noises
– Wear earplugs to limit noise intrusion
– Choose to sit on buses and in restaurants in more distant areas
– Practice relaxation and meditation to reduce stress
– Find a supportive doctor or therapist
– Talk calmly and sincerely with friends and loved ones to explain your problem
Trying to tell a person with misophonia to “just ignore” these sounds is similar to telling a person with depression to “break free” from their depression, which is completely futile.
Symptoms
The key feature of misophonia is an extreme reaction, such as anger or aggression, towards people who make certain sounds. The strength of the reaction, and how an individual responds to it, varies tremendously. Some people may experience discomfort and irritation, while others may explode in a fit of rage.
Both men and women can develop misophonia at any age, although people generally begin to show symptoms in late childhood or early adolescence.
For many people, their first episodes of misophonia are triggered by a specific sound, but additional sounds can add up over time.
People with misophonia find that their reactions to sounds are excessive, and the intensity of their feelings can make them think they are losing control.
Just thinking about finding sounds that trigger your misophonia can make people with the condition stressed and uncomfortable. In general, they may have more symptoms of anxiety, depression, and neurosis than others.
In addition to emotional responses, various studies have found that people with misophonia generally experience a number of physical reactions , including:
– Pressure on the whole body, especially the chest
– Muscle tension
– Increase in blood pressure
– faster heartbeat
– Increase in body temperature
One study found that 52.4 percent of its participants with misophonia could also be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.
What are the most common triggers?
Some sounds are more likely than others to trigger a misophonic response. The most common are:
– Sounds when eating
– Noisy breathing or sounds made with the nose
– Sounds made with fingers or hands
How is it controlled?
People with misophonia try to avoid situations – such as social gatherings – where they are likely to find their triggers. Others wear headphones or try to find other ways to silence offensive sounds.
