If you were sitting in a crowded cinema and the person next to you munched too loudly with their popcorn, then the others around you for the same reason It may have been bothered. The same goes for you if the dish rubs, relaxes, or the sound of gum bumping can bother you or make it difficult to concentrate. It is normal for everyone to suffer from such noises from time to time, but if you experience an extreme reaction to them, you may have a disorder known as Misophonia.
This is what Misophonia is, what causes it, and how those who struggle with it best find relief.
What is Misophonia?
Dr. Juanita Guerra, a clinical psychologist based in New Rochelle, New York, describes Misophonia as “a strong dislike or hatred of a particular sound or sound.” Examples of such noise include intense breathing, dog barking, dripping taps, pen clicks, lawnmowers, coughing, snoring, or “unconsciously pounding fingers and feet on the floor.” Guerra says.
Such noise can cause emotional or physical reactions in misophonians. “Emotional responses include feelings of anger, anxiety, disgust, panic, fear and nuisance,” says Dr. Joan Broder, a media psychologist and fellow at the American Psychological Association. . “Physical responses studied include sweating, escape, shaking, muscle tension, increased temperature, increased goosebumps, increased heart rate and high blood pressure.”
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The reaction can range quite a bit. “Some people may have mild cases, while others are even more severe,” says Broder. She responds to people who already deal with different mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention disorder, etc., and when the disorder occurs, she responds. It adds that it can be greatly amplified.
Because Misophonia has not been thoroughly studied, Guerra says its prevalence estimates are significantly ranged, including 20% of the population, which ranges from 1% to 2% lower.
No matter how common it is, sound tolerance can have a negative impact on a person’s life in a variety of ways. “Individuals may be missing out on opportunities and experiences because they avoid hearing certain sounds,” Broder says.
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What causes misophonia?
There is considerable ambiguity about what contributes to misophonia, but “studies show that the fight or flight response between the brain part and the body is a brain-based disorder in which the connection between the brain part is confusing. “Gerra says. Also, structural differences in these individuals’ brains include more connections between areas of the brain that cause sounds and emotions, such as “may explain hypersensitivity to sounds.” There may be.
Research suggests that there may also be a link between Misophonia and other brain-based disorders such as ADHD, Tourette syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder. “There may be a link between misophonia and hearing-related conditions such as tinnitus,” Guerra says.
“Family history of disorders and genetics may also play an important role in misophonia through learned behavior,” Broder adds, “environmental factors due to past trauma that may be associated with certain sounds. could also contribute.”
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Is Misophonia treatment possible?
Although there are no particular drugs approved to treat Misophonia, Broder says there are many practical solutions that are often recommended. These include wearing earplugs or headphones when triggering the environment, sitting away from others when in public, causing noise to trigger a response, or using white noise machines or apps. It leaves you with an environment where you can be drowned or distracted by troublesome sounds.
Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy can provide long-lasting help. “Therapy can help individuals identify triggers and develop effective coping techniques to help them become more responsive,” Guerra says.
And when it comes to helping friends and family who are dealing with Misophonia, it’s important not to judge them or ridicule them as they may be feeling the shame and embarrassment associated with it. That’s it,” says Broder. “Please understand their triggers and ask them to keep their attention and help them feel safe.”