Misophonia
Misophonia
Misophonia (/mɪsoʊˈfoʊniə/; from the Greek words "miso-" meaning "hatred" and "phonia" meaning "voice") is a disorder in which certain sounds trigger emotional or physiological responses that some might perceive as unreasonable given the circumstance.
Etymology
The term "misophonia" was coined by the American neuroscientists Pawel and Margaret Jastreboff in 2001. It is derived from the Greek words "miso" meaning "hate" and "phonia" meaning "voice", thus translating to "hatred of sound".
Symptoms
People with misophonia are affected emotionally by common sounds — usually those made by others, and usually ones that other people don’t pay much attention to. The sounds that trigger the person can make them feel like they are losing control. The sounds that trigger a person can vary from person to person. Some common ones include oral sounds (chewing, breathing, lip-smacking), clicking sounds (keyboard tapping, pen clicking), and sounds associated with movement (fidgeting, foot tapping).
Causes
The exact cause of misophonia is not known, but it appears to be more common in girls and comes on quickly, usually around late childhood or early adolescence. Some researchers believe it may be related to how sound affects the brain’s limbic system, which is involved in processing emotions.
Treatment
There is no specific cure for misophonia. Treatment is aimed at helping a person manage their reaction to the sounds. This can involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps a person become aware of their thoughts and feelings, and learn how to manage them.
Related Terms
- Phonophobia: An intense, irrational fear of sounds.
- Hyperacusis: A heightened sensitivity to everyday sounds.
- Tinnitus: The perception of noise or ringing in the ears.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Misophonia
- Wikipedia's article - Misophonia
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