Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy
Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy, as featured on the MTV True Life episode: “I Have Misophonia” premiering Friday, December 16th, 7:00 PM EST. See Clip >
Are you Suffering from any of these symptoms as a result of Misophonia? Call today for a Consultation.
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You may also be affected by visual stimuli, such as repetitive foot or body movements, fidgeting or movement you observe out of the corners of their eyes. Intense anxiety, rage and avoidant behavior may develop as a result of misophonia.
* Do you feel your family and friends don’t understand how much you suffer?
* Do you often feel you can just suffer through a social event where there is eating present only to find that you must “escape” before you have a panic attack?
* Do you find that some people are at first understanding and make some efforts not to make the triggering sounds in front of you, but soon forget and constantly have to be reminded, causing you to feel angry, anxious and depressed?
* Are you avoiding social activities that you enjoy because of the misophonia?
* Are you fearful of losing your job and/or is the misophonia effecting your job performance?
If you answered yes to 3 or more of these questions or symptoms, then we can help.
You may be a candidate for Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy, or MCRT.
Stephen Geller Katz, LCSW-R, with over 20 years of clinical experience, a New York University graduate, developed Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy and founded Misophonia Cognitive Center™ in response to the growing number of people with Misophonia coming to his private practice from audiologists and ENTs. He discovered that by helping people to retrain and reinterpret the thoughts around their Misophonia, anxiety and depression symptoms began to improve. But even more important so did the Misophonic trigger response.
Call us at 646-585-2251 for a FREE consultation.
Cognitive Retraining Therapy: An Effective Treatment for Misophonia
What is cognitive retraining therapy, and is it an effective treatment for misophonia? Misophonia is a condition that causes a strong emotional response to certain sounds, commonly known as trigger sounds. This response can lead to feelings of anger, disgust, and anxiety, which can significantly impact daily life. While there is no cure for misophonia, Cognitive Retraining Therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment that can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. In this blog post, we will explore CRT and how it can help those struggling with misophonia.
What is Cognitive Retraining Therapy?
CRT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. In the context of misophonia, CRT can help individuals change their emotional responses to trigger sounds. This therapy works by identifying negative thoughts and emotions related to trigger sounds and challenging them.
During CRT sessions, individuals learn how to retrain their emotional response to trigger sounds through various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques. CRT is a highly effective treatment for misophonia, and studies have shown that it can lead to significant improvement in misophonic symptoms.
The Benefits of Cognitive Retraining Therapy for Misophonia
The benefits of CRT for misophonia are numerous, and include:
- Improved Emotional Responses: CRT can help individuals learn how to retrain their emotional response to trigger sounds, reducing feelings of anger, disgust, and anxiety.
- Improved Quality of Life: Misophonia can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, but CRT can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
- Effective Treatment: Studies have shown that CRT is a highly effective treatment for misophonia, with individuals experiencing significant improvement in their symptoms.
What to Expect During CRT Sessions
During CRT sessions, individuals will work with a licensed therapist who specializes in treating misophonia. The therapist will guide the individual through various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques.
The length of CRT sessions can vary, but typically sessions last between 45-60 minutes. The number of sessions required will depend on the individual’s specific needs and the severity of their misophonia symptoms.
Cognitive Retraining Therapy for Misophonia: Conclusion
Misophonia can be a challenging condition to live with, impacting various areas of daily life. However, with the right treatment and support, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms effectively. At the MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™, Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R offers online CRT sessions for individuals struggling with misophonia.
If you or a loved one is struggling with misophonia, don’t hesitate to reach out to MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™ for support. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with Dr. Katz.
MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER ™
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
19 West 34th Street Penthouse Floor
New York, NY 10001
646-585-2251
The Connection Between Misophonia and Anxiety: Tips for Coping
Is there a connection between misophonia and anxiety? Misophonia is a condition that causes a strong emotional response to certain sounds, known as trigger sounds. This response can lead to feelings of anger, disgust, and anxiety, which can significantly impact daily life. It is not uncommon for those with misophonia to also struggle with anxiety, as the emotional response to trigger sounds can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we will explore the connection between misophonia and anxiety, and provide tips for coping with these conditions.
The Connection Between Misophonia and Anxiety
Misophonia and anxiety are closely linked, as the emotional response to trigger sounds can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. When an individual with misophonia hears a trigger sound, their body reacts as if it is in danger, triggering the body’s stress response. This response can lead to physical symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate, and muscle tension, as well as psychological symptoms such as fear and anxiety.
The constant stress and anxiety caused by misophonia can lead to various mental health issues, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and depression. Additionally, the avoidance of trigger sounds can lead to social isolation, which can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Tips for Coping with Misophonia and Anxiety
While there is no cure for misophonia or anxiety, there are several tips and strategies that individuals can use to cope with their symptoms.
1. Seek Professional Help
If misophonia and anxiety are impacting your daily life, it may be helpful to seek professional help from a licensed therapist. Cognitive Retraining Therapy (CRT) is a highly effective treatment for misophonia that can help individuals change their emotional responses to trigger sounds. Additionally, therapy can help individuals develop coping strategies for anxiety and other mental health issues.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment and accepting one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice can help individuals with misophonia and anxiety learn to observe their emotional responses to trigger sounds without reacting to them. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can also help individuals manage stress and anxiety.
3. Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones can be a helpful tool for individuals with misophonia, as they can help reduce the impact of trigger sounds. Using noise-canceling headphones can also help individuals feel more comfortable in social situations, where trigger sounds may be more prevalent.
4. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential for individuals with misophonia and anxiety. Taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and mentally can help reduce stress and anxiety. Self-care activities may include exercise, spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, and getting enough sleep.
The Connection Between Misophonia and Anxiety: Conclusion
Misophonia and anxiety can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, but there are several strategies and tips that can help individuals manage their symptoms effectively. At the MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™, Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R offers online CRT sessions for individuals struggling with misophonia and anxiety. Contact us today at 646-585-2251 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with Dr. Katz.
Remember, seeking professional help and practicing self-care can make a significant difference in managing misophonia and anxiety. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support and take control of your mental health.
What is Misophonia and How Does It Affect Daily Life?
What is Misophonia and how does it affect daily life? Misophonia is a relatively unknown condition that causes a strong emotional response to certain sounds, commonly known as trigger sounds. For those who experience misophonia, these sounds can lead to feelings of anger, disgust, and anxiety, which can significantly impact their daily lives. Misophonia affects approximately 20% of the population, yet it often goes undiagnosed.
Symptoms of Misophonia
Misophonia can manifest in various ways, but the most common symptoms include:
- Intense emotional reactions to specific sounds
- Avoiding situations where trigger sounds are likely to occur
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks when trigger sounds are present
- Physical reactions such as sweating, increased heart rate, or muscle tension
Common Trigger Sounds
Trigger sounds can vary between individuals, but the most common sounds that trigger a misophonic response include:
- Eating and drinking sounds such as chewing, slurping, and swallowing
- Nasal sounds such as sniffing and sneezing
- Mouth sounds such as clicking, whistling, and popping gum
- Environmental sounds such as tapping, rustling, and humming
How Misophonia Affects Daily Life
Misophonia can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, leading to various challenges, such as:
- Relationships: Misophonia can cause conflict in personal relationships, as trigger sounds may come from loved ones. For instance, if a partner’s chewing sound triggers an emotional response, it can lead to arguments and resentment.
- Work: Misophonia can make it challenging to concentrate and complete tasks at work, leading to decreased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Social Life: Those with misophonia may avoid social situations or public places where trigger sounds are likely to occur, which can lead to isolation and feelings of loneliness.
- Mental Health: Misophonia can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, as individuals struggle to cope with their emotional responses to trigger sounds.
Treatment for Misophonia
While there is no cure for misophonia, treatment options are available to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Cognitive Retraining Therapy (CRT) is a highly effective treatment for misophonia that can help individuals change their emotional responses to trigger sounds.
CRT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. By learning to identify and challenge negative thoughts and emotions related to trigger sounds, individuals can learn to retrain their emotional response to these sounds. Studies have shown that CRT can lead to significant improvement in misophonic symptoms.
Other treatment options for misophonia may include sound therapy, where individuals are gradually exposed to trigger sounds in a controlled environment, and medication, which can help manage symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
What is Misophonia and How Does It Affect Daily Life? Conclusion
Misophonia can be a challenging condition to live with, impacting various areas of daily life. However, with the right treatment and support, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms effectively. At the MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™, Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R offers online CRT sessions for individuals struggling with misophonia. Dr. Katz specializes in treating misophonia and has helped numerous individuals overcome their misophonic symptoms and improve their quality of life.
All sessions with Dr. Katz are conducted online, making it easy and convenient for individuals to receive treatment from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, Dr. Katz speaks five languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Hebrew, which allows him to offer his services to a wide range of individuals.
If you or a loved one is struggling with misophonia, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Katz at the MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™ for support. Contact us today at 646-585-2251 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.
Top Misophonia Triggers
What are the top triggers for people who have misophonia? People diagnosed with this condition need to not only identify their triggers but they need to be able to anticipate where they might hear them. People with this condition often have major outbursts when they come in contact with their triggers, which can often make them dangerous to themselves and others around them.
Unfortunately, control only comes naturally among people with different triggers. Therefore, people can often feel like those with the condition are overreacting. They may fail to realize that the reaction might be subdued, as the person with this condition might be trying to control it.
Furthermore, getting a deeper understanding of an individual’s triggers is also essential for the person’s friends and family since they can help them when necessary. In this short guide, we will go over all of the most popular audio triggers that a person with Misophonia might be disturbed at,
Too Many Triggers to Keep in Mind
One of the factors that make Misophonia, such as a difficult health condition, help is that anything could be a trigger. And while some can have a reason why certain sounds can be so triggering, at other times, they cannot find the words to explain why they find something so disturbing.
However, nearly every person with Misophonia can relate to a handful of triggers. These include:
- Chewing
- Pen clicking
- Heavy breathing
- Slurping
- Lip smacking
- And throat clearing
Other smaller triggers can include:
- Silverware or glasses clinking
- Birds chirping
- Mechanical humming
- Nail clipping or filing
- Rustling some fabric or paper
Visual cues for Misophonia
Various researchers have made one of the most important breakthroughs concerning this specific condition: the triggers do not just have to sound. Some visual cues can elicit a very similar reaction from individuals who have Misophonia.
Some of these visual triggers include:
- Chewing with an open mouth
- Fidgeting with a pen
- Twirling hair
- Keeping legs restless
These are just some of the Misophonia triggers that do not have audio cues but can still elicit a similar reaction from people.
Coping with Misophonia
Living with Misophonia is anything but easy, as people need to find a way to not just avoid their triggers but suppress their emotions if they happen to meet them. While some will have much milder symptoms, the most they can feel is mild discomfort.
However, people who experience more severe symptoms can have an especially hard time dealing with the emotions they feel. Since they can either feel a sudden rush of anger or despair, they can often lash out at someone or something if they come in contact with their trigger.
One short hack many have come up with when dealing with this unique situation is to recreate the trigger yourself. If it is an audio cue, you can repeat it in your mind, and nothing will happen. It can be a great way to help create a more positive image of one of the triggers.
Top Misophonia Triggers: Conclusion
The causes for Misophonia are multiple and confusing, which makes it different triggers so much more so. But with the triggers mentioned above, you will better understand how to deal with the daily challenge of trying not to pay attention to the many triggers.
If you’re struggling with Misophonia and have very extreme reactions to small triggers, then Stephen Katz at the Misophonia Cognitive Center™ can help you. With over 20 years of experience, he developed Misophonia Cognitive retraining therapy, which has in some cases completely cured those suffering from this condition.
Call today to schedule a convenient online consultation.
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
646-585-2251
Tele-Video Sessions
Speaks 5 languages
International Patients Welcome
Misophonia and Psychology
Misophonia is a psychology related disorder in which individuals experience abnormally negative and strong reactions to familiar sounds made by humans. Common sounds that trigger people suffering from this condition include breathing or chewing. While getting irritated by regular, everyday sounds is not unusual, people with this condition often have angry reactions, making them want to hit out or scream.
Such emotional and physical reactions are similar to the fight or flight responses that cause people to feel rage, panic, or anxiety.
Misophonia Facts You May Not Know About
Here is a list of some uncommon misophonia facts you may not be aware of;
- This health order was identified fairly recently, and there are limited treatment options for it
- Sometimes, an individual’s reaction to triggering sounds can be so intense that it can interfere with their daily life
- Not every sound is an issue for people suffering from sound sensitivity
Is Misophonia a Psychological Condition?
People with this condition often have an intense hatred for certain sounds. Experts often characterize it as sensitivity to repetitive activities like snorting, chewing, coughing, sniffing, etc., resulting in anger, disgust, and irritation, negatively impacting everyday life. The precise nature of this disorder has been quite perplexing for clinicians as they are still determining whether it is a physical or psychological disorder.
Most experts believe that misophonia is partly a physical and psychological problem, but there isn’t enough evidence to support these claims. Therefore, the treatments for the condition exist in many forms, i.e., some addressing psychological and some physical problems.
Is Misophonia Treatable?
So far, there aren’t any particular treatments or medications for treating misophonia. Some unconsciously mimic the sounds they find offensive as it helps them handle uncomfortable scenarios. Moreover, people with misophonia often create coping mechanisms to find relief.
Here are some tips for dealing with misophonia at home:
- Using music and headphones to drown out noises
- Limiting noise reduction with the help of earplugs
- Practicing meditation, relaxation, and self care to reduce stress
- Avoiding any situation or place that has triggering sounds
- Seeking therapy
- Talking to family members or friends
Misophonia Symptoms to Keep in Mind
Extreme reactions are arguably the most common misophonia characteristic to keep in mind. People with this condition often have aggressive or angry reactions to triggering sounds. The reaction’s severity and how people respond to certain sounds tend to vary greatly. While some individuals may experience irritation and annoyance, others may seethe with rage.
Both women and men develop this condition at young or old ages. Usually, however, people start exhibiting symptoms early in the latter part of their childhood or teen years. It is also worth keeping in mind that the initial misophonia episodes in most people happen because of one particular sound. Over time, however, they become sensitive to other sounds too.
In some cases, the intensity of the reactions becomes so severe that people start believing they don’t have control over their minds. Mentioned below are some telltale signs of misophonia symptoms:
- Becoming irritated, followed by severe anger
- Getting disgusted, followed by extreme anger
- Becoming physically or verbally aggressive towards the individual making noise
- Lashing out physically or verbally
Misophonia and Psychology: Final Thoughts
It must be abundantly clear that misophonia can severely hinder the sufferer’s everyday life. That’s why it is vital to seek help without wasting time. Stephen Katz at the Misophonia Treatment Center™ can help you.
Once you contact us to book an appointment, we will analyze your condition and suggest an effective solution.
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
646-585-2251
Tele-Video Sessions
Speaks 5 languages
International Patients Welcome
What Causes Misophonia?
What causes the condition known as misophonia? Many serious mental health issues can affect an individual, which can have very complicated causes. A prime example worth looking at is depression, which happens to be one of the most well documented and studied mental health conditions people can face.
However, despite a better understanding of the condition, they still struggle to determine the definitive cause of depression. Similarly, with conditions like misophonia, there is no real way of determining its’ cause.
As one of the newer mental illnesses that people hear about, the condition can be very concerning for anyone who is hearing about it for the first time. Some people may even have the condition but just thought it was normal for them to be so angry when hearing certain sounds. You may have even heard a few of your friends reacting this way without taking it too seriously. Here we will look deeper into why people react the way they do when they hear specific sounds.
How Many People Have Misophonia?
Fortunately, Misophonia is a manageable condition if people show milder symptoms of the condition. According to varying reports, nearly 20% of people have some form of misophonia, with only a very small percentage of people having it so bad that it makes it difficult for them to function in society.
However, with such a larger population of people having some form of this condition, many have concluded that the condition only amplifies how humans feel about certain sounds. Through various studies, they found that people who do not have the condition can find certain sounds so terrifying that they can become visibly uncomfortable.
When researchers brought in people with misophonia, they reacted similarly to people who did not have the condition. Therefore, the real difference comes from most people’s extreme reactions to more mundane sounds. In these situations, many believe that trauma could be the underlying factor.
What Causes Misophonia?
As we mentioned earlier, there is no specific cause for misophonia, and various factors could influence it. Trauma is a major influencing factor for misophonia, as people can react differently to certain sounds that remind them of traumatic experiences. For example, consider a person who has survived a car accident. They might find the screeching sound of tires on the road very disturbing and threatening.
Some patients have found the voice of chewing triggering because an abuser would chew that way. However, while these are more generic, some can be very specific. Some individuals with the condition will often find the voices of their loved ones triggering or the pen clicking of a loved one very problematic.
Understanding the more personal element that goes into misophonia makes it obvious that trauma certainly plays some role in determining the triggering sounds they find.
The Connection between OCD and Misophonia
Misophonia has many symptoms similar to other mental disorders, especially OCD. Some believe that people with symptoms of OCD can eventually develop misophonia symptoms. And similarly to OCD, the main treatment options for misophonia address the symptoms of the condition rather than its underlying condition.
People with more severe misophonia cases will have to learn about the condition and cope with its many difficulties.
What Causes Misophonia? Conclusion
Various factors can often contribute to the causes of misophonia, but they are more complex to discern.
If you’re struggling with misophonia and have extreme reactions to small trigger sounds or actions, then misophonia treatment might be what you need. Over the past 20 years, Stephen Katz LCSW has developed a highly effective treatment of misophonia using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
So call today to schedule an easy online consultation. Get the help you deserve now!
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
646-585-2251
Tele-Video Sessions
Speaks 5 languages
International Patients Welcome
Is Misophonia a Form of OCD?
Is misophonia a form of OCD? Misophonia is a relatively new condition that, unfortunately, not many people know a lot about. The mental disorder can sometimes feel like someone is having a jarring overreaction to the sounds they are hearing, which can be as mundane as people breathing or chewing.
The worst part about these triggers is that people with misophonia can seriously react to them. While some can show that they are physically uncomfortable, others can flare out and become violent with the object or person producing that sound. It can especially be bad when an individual is producing these triggering sounds involuntarily.
However, many have been wondering about this condition since it started becoming popular if it has a connection with any other mental illnesses. More specifically, does it connect with OCD since many of the symptoms from both conditions are very similar?
And after extensive research into the field, researchers found that misophonia shares very similar symptoms to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), making it a form of OCD.
The Many Similarities to OCD
One of the most prominent symptoms of misophonia is that people can have acute sensitivity to sound. While various studies show that people with the condition can have an overblown reaction to sounds like people screaming or loud bangs.
However, when introduced to some very mundane sounds, such as a pen clicking people chewing, they can have a visibly disturbed reaction to most sounds that people would otherwise not pay much attention to.
Similarly to misophonia, there are different types of OCD that an individual could face where they will have selective sensitivity to different sounds. It was the starting point that various clinicians and researchers used to find any possible overlap between both mental conditions.
Different Severities of the Disorder
Similarly to OCD, people with misophonia can also present differently across various people. While some can show more severe symptoms of the condition, others can have relatively milder symptoms, further increasing the similarities between misophonia and OCD.
Nearly all people with the condition have a unique trigger, and their reactions can also vary. Some people can only get annoyed or irritated by certain sounds, which means they can usually control how they feel by those specific sounds. However, some people can have very violent outbursts when introduced to their triggers, to the point where the individual enters fight or flight.
Therefore, they will likely try to stop the sound from the source, or they will try to get as much distance as they possibly can. The fight or flight response is also common among individuals with OCD, except that most people with the condition do not show as many violent tendencies.
Current research suggests that misophonia strongly relates to many of OCD’s obsessive symptoms.
The Types of Sound Triggers for Misophonia
Researchers have also gone in depth when finding the different types of sound triggers that can affect people with Misophonia. While the obvious triggers are still there, like people breathing and or women speaking loudly, there are more specific sounds. These can include my brother’s breathing or my father’s chewing. These specific types of sound triggers show that Misophonia is likely fueled by trauma.
Is Misophonia a Form of OCD? Conclusion
Despite being a fairly recent mental illness, misophonia researchers have been able to learn much about the disorder. By finding connections with other mental illnesses, treatments for misophonia can be more effective.
If you’re struggling with misophonia and have extreme reactions to small sounds, noises, or actions of other people, then get a consultation from Stephen Katz LCSW. Dr. Katz developed and is an expert at cognitive behavioral therapy for misophonia. With over 20 years of experience treating and in some cases curing misophonia and tinnitus, Dr. Katz is leading the research and treatment of these conditions.
Call today to schedule a convenient online consultation.
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
646-585-2251
Tele-Video Sessions
Speaks 5 languages
International Patients Welcome
Is Misophonia a Mental Illness?
Is misophonia a mental illness? You might know someone who can get uncomfortably angry or distressed when they hear otherwise mundane sounds. Small things like a baby crying or clicking a pen can all be very serious triggers to someone with misophonia.
The name for the condition is a Greek word that means hatred of sound. But since it is such a relatively new condition that people know very little about, you might wonder if it is a mental illness. Regardless of what type of condition it is, you do not need to panic if you have it.
Is Misophonia a Mental Illness
Researchers looking into this condition have classified it as a mental disorder. Still, it can be qualified as a mental illness since it affects how an individual thinks and interacts with others. However, just classifying misophonia as a mentally ill is not enough to understand how it works and how it affects the people who have it.
According to research from various scientists worldwide, misophonia can be difficult to cope with since it can have very random triggers. For some, it can be the sound someone makes when sliding their feet on the floor. For others, it can be the sign of someone breathing too heavily, which will often be enough for them to react violently.
Understanding Misophonia
Misophonia is a condition where people can have a very emotional reaction to various types of mundane sounds. It is important to preface that the sounds are usually ones people wouldn’t otherwise pay attention to.
These could include the sound of someone chewing or a metal hinge creaking. In addition, after hearing any of these sounds, the person with the condition enters a flight or fight response where they either want to stop the source of the sound or move away from it.
While most people can find some voices irritating, people are rare to have a visceral reaction to the sounds. A consequence of someone with misophonia being subjected to their triggering sounds for too long will eventually react violently.
In much more serious cases of people with misophonia, they would often prefer to isolate themselves instead of going out and possibly interacting with those triggering sounds again. In these specific situations, interventional therapy will often become necessary to help the individual properly readjust to their surroundings again.
Why Do They React in Such a Way to Certain Sounds?
Unfortunately, most people with misophonia need help understanding why they don’t like certain sounds. Therefore, some can have very common sounds as triggers, such as a baby crying or a car horn.
In each of these situations, they can sometimes feel a tightness around their chest or their entire body. They sometimes feel helpless to the sounds, fueling uncontrollable rage or anxiety.
Therefore, it is not unlikely to see people with this condition flip on a dime and seem completely different when their triggers play. In some cases, they can feel completely isolated since some healthcare providers are unaware of the mental disorder.
Is Misophonia a Mental Illness? Conclusion
While there is still much to learn about misophonia, treatments for the condition have started to surface. These treatments focus on helping individuals with their symptoms and coping with their feelings after hearing trigger sounds.
If you’re struggling with misophonia and have very extreme reactions to small triggers, then call Stephen Katz at the Misophonia Cognitive Center™. With over 20 years of experience, he developed misophonia cognitive retraining therapy.
Call today and get the help you deserve.
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
646-585-2251
Tele-Video Sessions
Speaks 5 languages
International Patients Welcome
Is Misophonia a Common Condition?
Is misophonia a common condition? Individuals with misophonia tend to be emotionally affected by certain sounds. Most of these sounds are from other people, who usually ignore the noises they make. Sounds like chewing, yawning, or breathing cause misophonic people to get a fight or flight response, triggering their anger. Unfortunately, this condition has yet to be studied extensively, and there needs to be more information regarding how many people it affects. There are, however, effective treatments that have been developed that can treat an in some cases cure misophonia and it’s symptoms.
Misophonia impacts some people more than others, causing them to isolate themselves to avoid certain triggering sounds. Most people who suffer from this condition tend to feel embarrassed and avoid mentioning it to doctors. Misophonia is real and severely compromises the sufferer’s ability to socialize and function. This condition usually appears at the tender age of ten or twelve and impacts many people.
What Triggers Misophonia?
Most people with misophonia usually react to visual stimuli with certain sounds. Some individuals have intense responses to certain repetitive movements. Researchers think that people with this condition already have certain problems with how their mind filters sound and the repetitive movements only exacerbate their voice processing issues.
This disorder ranges from low to severe, and people report various emotional and physiological responses and certain cognitive issues. A person with misophonia may try to evade the situation that they think might trigger their condition. People who have mild reactions often feel:
- Disgust
- Wanting to flee
- Discomfort
- Anxiety
If you have a severe response, the sound could cause the following:
- Emotional distress
- Fear
- Panic
- Hatred
- Anger
- Rage
How Common Is Misophonia
As mentioned earlier, there is little information regarding the exact percentage of people affected by this condition, but plenty of people are affected by misophonia. Unfortunately, individuals suffering from this problem often have poor social lives and even get anticipatory anxiety in situations and occasions with triggering sounds.
For this reason, they might not discuss their condition with anyone around them, which keeps their misophonia hidden from many people.
You may want to avoid visiting restaurants or eating with roommates, family, or spouse. After some time, some people start responding to certain visual triggers, which only worsen things.
How do People Get Misophonia?
Most people report symptoms of misophonia around the ages of nine to thirteen. Surprisingly, this problem is quite common among girls and develops quite fast. However, it is rarely related to a particular event. Healthcare professionals do not know much about the things that cause this condition, but it isn’t anything related to the ears.
Most doctors think it is part physical and mental and could also be related to how sounds impact the brain. Since most people with misophonia do not have any problem with their hearing or ears, doctors have trouble diagnosing this condition. Some even mistake it for obsessive compulsive disorder or anxiety.
Unfortunately, many doctors do not know about this condition, which is why there isn’t any consensus regarding its classification. Experts think this condition happens independently, with various other psychiatric and health development issues.
Is Misophonia a Common Condition? Final Thoughts
Misophonia can affect people in multiple ways, affecting their quality of life. Do you suffer from this terrible condition? If so, you shouldn’t waste any time seeking help. Dr. Stephen Katz LCSW-R at the Misophonia Treatment Center™ is highly knowledgeable in all matters pertaining to the debilitating effects of misophonia. You can live without this condition affecting your daily life.
Call today to schedule an in-depth consultation.
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
646-585-2251
Tele-Video Sessions
Speaks 5 languages
International Patients Welcome
How Do I Relieve My Misophonia Symptoms?
How do you relieve misophonia symptoms? While it may feel like misophonia is not controllable, you’d be surprised to learn that there are certain ways to manage it. You don’t always have to go to a doctor for the treatment. You can get help with exercising and doing something as simple as listening to white noise. This piece will delve into the strategies and tips to cope with misophonia symptoms.
Spend Time with Like Minded Individuals
If you believe you suffer from misophonia, consider finding others who also suffer from this condition. This condition can make sufferers isolated and may even result in depression and anxiety down the line. Some people even start avoiding social situations with a chance of encountering triggering sounds. Common places where people with misophonia avoid going to include:
- Restaurants
- Concerts
- Movie theaters
Believe it or not, even virtual meetings can have certain sounds that could trigger individuals with misophonia. The sound of filing fingernails or slurping on noodles can trigger people with this condition, making them want to leave right away.
While there is minimal information regarding how many individuals have misophonia, people can find support online and offline. Platforms like Instagram, Reddit, and Facebook, in particular, can be quite handy for people suffering from this condition. Reading or listening to how other people deal with this condition can offer you some validation, helping you feel pleasant.
Exercise May Help
Moving around can help people prevent misophonia related triggers to a certain extent. It would help if you also tried walking, hiking, or running to enjoy plenty of physical and mental health benefits. Improved respiration is another advantage of regular physical activity.
You can take up activities like meditation, yoga, sprinting, etc., to calm yourself down and control triggers more effectively.
Make Use of White Noise
A little bit of white noise can be massively helpful. Something as simple as the humming, a dishwasher, or an aromatherapy diffuser can distract your attention from unpleasant sounds. However, if your house is too silent, it would be best to invest in ceiling fans or white noise machines. Keeping these devices on is an excellent way to divert your attention from sounds that you don’t find pleasant and will help you focus on what you are doing.
Learn to Prevent Misophonia Triggers
Some people feel like misophonia triggers are unavoidable, and there is no other option but to live with them. While that may be true to a certain extent, you can do a few things to keep the triggering sounds at bay. For instance, if you know that some places have heavy triggers, consider avoiding them if the people in charge cannot do anything to take care of them.
It also helps to dedicate some time to rest your brain daily, including simply being alone, listening to white noise, walking, or doing anything that soothes your brain. Sure, all of this is easier said than done, but starting on the right note is important. The more you practice, the better you will become at keeping the triggers at bay.
Relieve Misophonia Symptoms: Final Thoughts
Misophonia can greatly affect your quality of life if you do not take steps to treat it. While you can do certain things on your own to manage the symptoms, consulting a professional is the best thing to do. That is where Stephen Katz can help relieve your misophonia symptoms. Dr. Katz is a world renowned expert in diagnosing and treating misophonia.
Contact the Misophonia Cognitive Center™ to schedule a online consultation.
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
646-585-2251
Tele-Video Sessions
Speaks 5 languages
International Patients Welcome