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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
What is misophonia?
Misophonia – is a neurological phenomenon in which a person feels a strong negative emotional reaction to certain sounds. Translated from Greek, "μῖσος" means "hate", and "φωνή" – means "sound", that is, literally it is "hate of sounds".
It's not just annoyance at the loud music of neighbors or the noise of the freeway outside the window. People with misophonia often react with aggression or anxiety to completely mundane sounds that most do not even notice:
- Chavkany during meals
- Loud breathing or snorting
- Tapping a pen or clicking fingers
- The rustle of bags or the rustle of paper
- Touch or click with your tongue
How does it manifest itself?
Imagine sitting in a cafe, enjoying coffee, but someone nearby starts sipping loudly. You are overcome by a wave of irritation, you feel the heart start beating faster and there is only one thought in your head – run away or make a person stop.
People with misophonia may feel:
- Anger and irritation
- Anxiety and panic
- Physical discomfort (eg, body strain, rapid heartbeat, sweating)
- The desire to isolate oneself from trigger sounds
These reactions can be so strong that a person is forced to avoid certain social situations, such as not going to cafes or avoiding joint dinners with family.
Why does misophonia occur?
The exact causes of misophonia are still being investigated, but scientists are inclined to believe that it is related to the increased sensitivity of certain brain structures, in particular those responsible for processing sounds and reacting emotionally to them.
Studies show that in people with misophonia:
- Happens hyperactivity in amygdala <TAG1> brain area responsible for emotions and threat response.
- E abnormal interaction between the auditory cortex and the limbic system, which may explain the over-emotional response to sounds.
- It often develops in childhood or adolescence, and can intensify over time.
It is interesting that misophonia is often found in people with anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Is there a cure for misophonia?
Unfortunately, there is no special treatment for misophonia yet, but there are methods that help to cope with it better:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps change the reaction to trigger sounds.
- Sound therapy (for example, using white noises or music in the background) helps mask irritating sounds.
- Meditation and relaxation techniques can reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Using earplugs or headphones <TAG1> is the easiest but effective way to avoid unpleasant sounds.
If you have a friend or relative with misophonia, the best thing you can do – is respect its limits. Don't joke about his reactions, don't make him tolerate trigger sounds and, if possible, try to avoid them.
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