What Is Misophonia?
Misophonia is a disorder in which certain sounds trigger intense anger, disgust, or hatred. Misophonia is derived from the Greek roots; misos: hatred; phone: sound. The condition was first described in 2000 by US neuroscientists Pawel Jastreboff and Margaret Jastreboff.
Examples of sounds that trigger misophonia:
- Eating sounds
- Breathing sounds
- Pen clicking
- Whispering
Possible causes of misophonia:
- Misophonia may be caused by sensory overload, where multiple sounds may be processed at the same time.
- The brain regions that handle sound may link to those involved in feelings of disgust and hatred.
- There may also be a genetic factor as some people are more susceptible to misophonia.
How to cope with misophonia:
- Recognize your triggers: The first step to managing misophonia is to identify the sounds that trigger your response. Once you know what triggers your misophonia, you can start to develop strategies to minimize your exposure to those sounds.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, can help you manage your stress levels and reduce your sensitivity to sounds.
- Get enough sleep: When you're sleep-deprived, you're more likely to be irritable and sensitive to sounds.
- Make lifestyle changes: If possible, make changes to your lifestyle to minimize your exposure to triggers. For example, if you know someone who triggers your misophonia, you may want to avoid spending time with them.
- Use a noise reduction app: White noise apps can be helpful in blocking out triggering sounds.
- Seek professional help: If your misophonia is severely affecting your life, you may want to seek professional help. A therapist can help you develop coping mechanisms and manage your symptoms.
Misophonia is not a well-known disorder, but it is a real and distressing condition. If you think you may have misophonia, please seek professional help. With the right treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a full and happy life.