steven-gellar-katz-lcsw-rStephen Geller Katz LCSW-R

Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy

mtv-true-life-i-have-misophonia-steven-gellar-katz-lcsw-r

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.

  • Mild to severe anxiety
  • Rage or Anger
  • Triggered fight or flight
  • Depression
  • Negative thinking
  • Crying spells
  • Hopelessness
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Avoidance of people or places
Moderate to severe anxiety triggered by chewing sounds, including:
  • Nail clipping 
  • Brushing teeth
  • Eating sounds
  • Lip smacking
  • Breathing
  • Certain voices
  • Sniffing
  • Talking
  • Sneezing
  • Yawning
  • Walking
  • Coughing
  • Chewing gum
  • Laughing
  • Snoring
  • Typing on a keyboard
  • Whistling
  • Certain consonants


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.


woman-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 consultation.

Category Archives: General Information

Understanding Misophonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Triggers

How can we go about understanding the condition known as misophonia? Misophonia, a lesser-known but significant condition, can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. Characterized by intense emotional reactions to specific sounds, misophonia can lead to distress, anger, and anxiety. To better comprehend this condition, let’s explore its causes, symptoms, and common triggers.

Understanding Misophonia

Potential Causes of Misophonia

While the exact causes of misophonia are not yet fully understood, researchers believe that it may be related to the way the brain processes certain sounds. Some individuals with misophonia have heightened sensitivity to particular frequencies or patterns in sounds, leading to strong emotional responses. Genetics may also play a role in misophonia, as it can run in families. It often emerges in adolescence or early adulthood and can persist throughout a person’s life.

Common Misophonia Symptoms

Misophonia manifests through a range of emotional and physical symptoms when exposed to trigger sounds. These symptoms may include:

  • Anger: Individuals with misophonia often experience intense anger in response to trigger sounds, which can be directed toward the source of the noise or even themselves.
  • Anxiety: Trigger sounds can cause feelings of anxiety or panic, leading to increased heart rate and rapid breathing.
  • Irritability: Misophonia can make individuals more irritable in general, affecting their interactions with others.
  • Physical discomfort: Some people may experience physical sensations such as muscle tension, headaches, or digestive issues when exposed to trigger sounds.
  • Avoidance behaviors: Individuals with misophonia may go to great lengths to avoid situations or people that could trigger their symptoms.

Common Misophonia Triggers

Misophonia triggers can vary from person to person, but some sounds are more commonly reported as triggers. These may include:

  • Chewing: The sound of chewing food, gum, or snacks is a common trigger for many people with misophonia.
  • Slurping or Sipping: The sound of liquids being consumed, such as slurping soup or sipping drinks, can be distressing.
  • Pen Clicking: Repetitive sounds like pen clicking or tapping can provoke strong reactions.
  • Sniffling: The noise of sniffling or throat clearing is another frequent trigger.
  • Breathing: Some individuals are sensitive to the sound of heavy breathing or nasal breathing.

Understanding Misophonia: Seek Help From a Specialist

If you or someone you know is struggling with misophonia, it’s important to seek professional help. Misophonia treatment specialists, like Stephen Geller Katz at the Misophonia Cognitive Center™, can provide guidance and support for managing misophonia symptoms. Treatment options may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and coping strategies like mindfulness meditation.

Don’t let misophonia control your life. Reach out to the Misophonia Cognitive Center™ to start your journey toward better understanding and managing this condition.

MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
646-585-2251

Dr. Katz offers online sessions and speaks five languages to ensure accessibility to effective treatment.

Misophonia Myths and Facts: Dispelling Common Misconceptions

Misophonia Myths and FactsIn this blog post, we will dispel some common myths and misconceptions about misophonia and provide facts to help individuals better understand the condition.  Misophonia is a condition that involves a strong emotional response to specific sounds, known as trigger sounds. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding this condition that can make it difficult for individuals with the condition to get the help and support they need.

Misophonia Myths and Facts

Myth: Misophonia is a psychological problem that can be easily overcome with willpower

Fact: Misophonia is a neurological condition that involves an abnormality in the way the brain processes certain sounds. Willpower alone cannot overcome the emotional response to trigger sounds associated with misophonia.

Myth: Misophonia is rare and affects only a small percentage of the population

Fact: While the prevalence of misophonia is not well established, research suggests that it may be more common than previously thought. Misophonia can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Myth: Misophonia is just a pet peeve or annoyance, and not a serious condition

Fact: Misophonia can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. It can cause emotional distress, interfere with daily activities, and lead to social isolation and anxiety.

Myth: Misophonia is a condition that can be cured

Fact: While there is no cure for misophonia, there are effective treatments that can help individuals manage trigger sounds and improve overall well-being. These treatments include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).

Myth: Misophonia is just a sensitivity to loud or annoying sounds

Fact: Misophonia involves a strong emotional response to specific sounds, even if those sounds are not particularly loud or annoying to others. The emotional response associated with misophonia can be intense and overwhelming.

Conclusion

Misophonia is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. By dispelling common myths and misconceptions about misophonia, we can better understand the condition and provide effective support and treatment for individuals with misophonia.

Get Help at the Misophonia Cognitive Center™

If you or a loved one is struggling with misophonia, the Misophonia Cognitive Center™ can provide effective treatment and support. Our online therapy sessions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), can help you manage trigger sounds and improve overall well-being.

Don’t let myths and misconceptions about misophonia prevent you from getting the help and support you need. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with Dr. Stephen Katz.

MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
19 West 34th Street
Penthouse Floor
New York, NY 10001
646-585-2251

What is Misophonia and How Does It Affect Daily Life?

What is Misophonia and How Does It Affect Daily LifeWhat 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Work: Misophonia can make it challenging to concentrate and complete tasks at work, leading to decreased productivity and job satisfaction.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

misophonia trigger sounds gum chewingWhile 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.

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.

Is Misophonia a Mental Illness?
Source

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.

Is Misophonia a Mental Illness? Treatment options
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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.

MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™
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.

Is Misophonia a Common Condition?
Source

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.

Is Misophonia a Common Condition? Treatment
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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.

MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R

646-585-2251

Tele-Video Sessions 
Speaks 5 languages
International Patients Welcome

What Does Reddit Have to Say About Misophonia?

What does reddit have to say about misophonia? If you feel like certain sounds trigger an emotional reaction and put you in a fight-or-flight situation, you are not alone. There are hundreds of people on Reddit and other platforms who feel the same way. They also express their anger and dislike after listening to a certain sound. Therefore, today we will discuss misophonia and how you can treat it:

What is Misophonia?

Misophonia is a disease where certain sounds trigger many people’s emotions and force them to react. The reason behind this condition is still unknown, and people have concerns about how they develop these conditions. Researchers are studying the impacts of misophonia and why people start to experience this condition.

Reddit Misophonia threads info
(Source)

Many people on Reddit describe misophonia as an annoying feeling that drives them crazy. They discuss that their anger and annoyance lead them to run from the situation and panic. You can also refer to misophonia as selective sound sensitivity syndrome, as it only triggers certain sounds.

Many people stated on Reddit threads that they mostly respond to oral sounds. For instance, the sound of someone chewing their food, eating chips, or even breathing can make them angry. Other sounds such as finger tapping, keyboard playing, and someone wiggling their foot also trigger some people.

Similar to sound, people also said that they also aggressively respond to visual stimuli. For instance, if they see someone tapping their foot or finger, they find it triggering even though they cannot hear the sound, but the repetitive and instant motion can irritate them.

Many researchers suggest that the main cause of misophonia is brain filtering sound. However, people on Reddit claimed that Tinnitus was the trigger for their misophonia. This condition also ranges from mild to severe, depending on many factors. The major factor is the duration since you develop the condition. Here are some symptoms that people experience when they are suffering from misophonia:

  • A feeling of disgust
  • Anxiety
  • Discomfort
  • Emotional distress
  • Fear
  • Panic
  • Hatred
  • Rage
  • Anger

Misophonia is affecting the quality of life for many people. They find themselves anxious about visiting clubs, concerts, and other events. Furthermore, they hesitate to visit their family because they cannot properly respond to them. They also feel embarrassed to express their emotions with their loved ones. Therefore, they stay alone in isolation, causing distress and depression.

Misophonia on Reddit: Misophonia Triggers

By going through Reddit threads, we found that different sounds trigger different people. Furthermore, their triggers also increase with time. This indicates that failing to receive appropriate treatment in the initial stages can make your situation worse. As previously discussed, the common trigger for most people is the sound that comes from the mouth. Here are some examples:

  • Slurping
  • Chomping
  • Throat clearing
  • Lip-smacking
  • Swallowing

Here are some other triggers for misophonia:

  • Writing sounds
  • Ticking clocks
  • Sniffling
  • Paper rustling
  • The sound of crickets, birds, and other animals
  • Slamming the door of the car

Treatment of Misophonia

Misophonia does not have a dedicated treatment. However, researchers are studying the condition to understand the cause and best method for treatment. Many people on Reddit suggest that they find various treatments effective to reduce and eliminate their symptoms.

Misophonia info on Reddit
(Source)

1.     Tinnitus Retraining Therapy

Many people found tinnitus retraining therapy a better option to tolerate the noise they consistently hear.

2.     Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is another method to reduce the negative association of tapping or chewing sounds being triggers.

3.     Counseling

Many people find supportive counseling effective for the treatment of their condition. An expert audiologist will diagnose your condition and suggest the best treatment plan for misophonia.

What Does Reddit Have to Say About Misophonia: Conclusion

While misophonia can be frustrating and irritating, you can seek help by visiting an audiologist. Numerous people on Reddit mentioned how they undergo therapies and other treatments to mask out the triggering sound. Reading the threads on Reddit will help you understand that you are not alone and masking your triggering sound is possible.

To seek help and free consultation, you can contact us at 646-585-2251 and discuss your condition with Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R, one of the top specialists in New York City and the world. Dr. Katz has treated and in many cases cured misophonia and other serious sound disorders in his patients. He will diagnose your condition and suggest the best treatment plan so you can return to your normal life.

Misophonia & Chewing

What is the relationship between misophonia and chewing? Imagine sitting next to a person eating crispy potato chips, and the bag is making sounds, or he’s chewing loudly. Do you hate the sound? Does it feel like someone is dragging nails down on the blackboard? This is not normal, and you may be suffering from misophonia, which can lead to stress, anxiety, etc.

Misophonia & Chewing
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Misophonia, which experts also refer to as ‘sensitivity syndrome’ for selective sound, is due to being sensitive towards certain sounds. Some common triggers are throat sounds, chewing loudly, nasal sounds which include a human blowing his nose, and repetitive noise such as clicking a pen or tapping. As it is a very challenging symptom, this condition is not related to your mental health. A 2015 research included 300 people suffering from misophonia. The study concluded that only 2.2 percent of them suffered from a mental health-related condition. It can be very distressing for the person who is suffering from misophonia and their loved ones. It can become a reason for fallout in relationships because a person suffering from misophonia cannot tolerate sounds, and hearing them can trigger his anger. Similarly, they cannot go to public places as sounds can irritate them a lot. Furthermore, the sensitivity of sounds that a romantic partner will make may feel critical, overbearing, and hurtful for the person with misophonia.

How Misophonia Affects Relationships

People suffering from misophonia may resist gaining acceptance and understanding from their partners. A partner may not accept misophonia; they may argue that the person is too sensitive or controlling. A person may feel embarrassed when their partner with misophonia cannot tolerate annoying noises and gets irritated and angry in public places.

If you are in a relationship and either one of you is dealing with misophonia, it can create clashes between both of you. Eventually, it will lead to criticism and hurting each other’s feelings. Some of the common issues in a relationship due to misophonia are:

1.    Parenting Children Together

Many kids make repetitive, annoying, and loud sounds or noises. These can make a person with misophonia impatient and angry. On the other hand, if a child has misophonia, they can develop anger and cranky behavior when they grow up.

2.    In Public

Common misophonia triggers are sounds of eating, clicking a pen, and the ticking of a clock. It can extend as far as traffic and driving-related sounds and sounds that the body makes.

3.    Eating Together

The sounds of silverware scraping against the plate and chewing may trigger people suffering from misophonia.

4.    Identifying and Understanding Misophonia

When a person with misophonia complains about certain sounds, their partner may think they are extremely critical or exaggerating.

It’s not just a few sounds such as chewing and tapping that trigger a person with misophonia – other sounds are just as worse. Some patients say that they experience physical sensations, while others say that it is disgust and revulsion. When a person with misophonia considers normal sounds annoying, a partner may feel criticized, shamed, and judged.

Misophonia & Chewing specialist USA EU
(Source)

Tips for Misophonia

People suffering from misophonia and its symptoms might improve their relationships by talking about it with their partner and close ones. You will have to visit a doctor who will diagnose you for misophonia. Research and therapy can prove effective for reducing the symptoms of misophonia.

While numerous causes lead to a person developing the condition, it’s crucial to tell your loved ones how you feel. For starters, you must tell your partner about the sounds that trigger you, such as chewing sounds. You can practice controlling this condition through positive affirmation, visualization, and deep breathing.

First, you need to identify all the triggers of misophonia. The more you know about the sounds that trigger you, the more quickly you can avoid this condition. One way to practice is to cover up your misophonia by slowly exposing yourself to the sounds in low-stress situations and low doses. This practice will work perfectly when you are doing it with a therapist and a doctor. You can also carry earplugs when you go to public places. This way, you won’t hear triggering sounds, which can be good for you and your partner.

Misophonia & Chewing: Conclusion

If the sound of chewing or any other irritating sound triggers you or your partner, you can visit our clinic. For appointments, you can contact us at 646-585-2251 or visit our website for complete details and our clinic’s location.

What is the cutting edge science on Misophonia?

What is the cutting edge science on Misophonia?

All I can say about Misophonia is the fact that it makes me want to punch people in the face’ says, Olana Tansley.

Tansley was eight years old when she first discovered her unbearable annoyance towards ordinary every day sounds like chewing. She was not able to sit through meal times with her family because of the irritating sounds.

Diagnosing Misophonia

Due to the advancements in science and technology, know-how about a rare condition like Misophonia has also increased. With the help of Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI scans, it is now possible to examine the effects Misophonia has on the sufferer’s brain. These scans show how the brain responses to triggering sounds and how it sends signals to the prefrontal cortex. Misophonia tends to activate the areas of the brain that are responsible for restoring memories and other emotions. Hence, the intense and extreme reactions of rage and aggression.

All thanks to science and research, there are plenty of treatment options available today and future treatment options are in process. Doctors are now more aware of this condition and the intensity of it. They now know more about the brain science of misophonia. Previously sufferers used to complain that their doctors fail to understand the consequences it has on the brain and how it comes in the way of their everyday activities.

Effective Techniques to Fight Misophonia

Currently, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy seems to be working best for Misophonia patients since it helps straighten out thoughts and makes one think rationally to avoid any chances of outburst. In some cases CBT is followed by Hypnotherapy which is used in many other disorders as well. It is used to cope from phobias, fears and anxiety. Misophonia also makes the person anxious and develops in them a sense of helplessness. In order to get rid of such negative feelings and thoughts, you need proper treatment and medical consultation.

Moreover, the future holds more effective options like behind-the-ear projectors. These aim to drown out the background noise so that the sufferer can calm down and focus on their own work. Sound proofing your home is another great option that recent technology has to offer. You can sound proof the walls of the room of your house you are likely to spend most of your time in. It may be a costly option but it is worth the investment if you are looking for a solid solution.

Experiments have detected hyper-myelination between the areas of the brain that process emotion and arousal and the auditory stimuli. Meaning these sounds directly affect the sufferer’s mood and frustrates them to a great extent. This explains Tansley’s urge and desire of wanting to punch the noise maker in the face. Now that awareness of such rare disorders is increasing, scientific research and treatment options are also increasing. When she first discussed this issue with her doctor, Tansley failed to explain it to him but now if someone complains of misophonia to their doctor or therapist their problem would not be disregarded or ignored.

Bottom Line

Getting to know about your health thoroughly and seeking proper medical help is extremely vital. You maybe thinking that nothing can be done to solve it and that nobody can relate to it. But my friend, that is most definitely not true! All you need to do is, schedule your appointment with the best Misophonia Specialist in NYC today! Don’t give up!

Misophonia

Misophonia is an inherent hatred of specific types of sounds and ambient noise, which is also referred to as selective sound sensitivity syndrome. It is a psychological condition where you get anxious or stressed due to the specific noises such as chewing food – which instantly triggers your misophonia. The syndrome is disastrous because in most cases, the condition makes you enraged and you become susceptible of developing hateful emotions for the person making that, which can in turn cost you a friendship or worst you may end up fighting with him.

Moreover, misophonia is a common but complex medical condition and people in your surroundings cannot comprehend how individual sounds that are natural, triggers your misophonia. That is where sufferers of selective sound sensitivity syndrome feel distressed due to lack of support. Instead, they are often told to simply ignore the sound.

Although there is awareness of the condition, but misophonia is still a distinctive kind of psychological disorder. Hence, treatment or therapies are at early levels; more studies are underway to explore the absurdity associated with the disease that how only certain noises accelerate this condition. In light of this, here is useful information regarding misophonia that you need to know.

It Develops in Childhood

You don’t develop misophonia in adulthood, but the individual sounds bother you since your childhood. It only gets worse with time, adulthood is a point where you cannot tolerate the triggering factors and react. Since the disorder affects you from the start of your life, it contributes temper tantrums and abrupt outbursts of rage or sarcasm. Some even adapt to a passive-aggressive way of handling people who make all the sounds that trigger their condition.

Misophonia Affects your Psychological Health

A recent study has revealed that it is a psychological disorder. And the fact that particular sounds will trigger your misophonia can put you in distress. In most cases, sufferers showed that they don’t share the hatred of noise with people and constant sounds contribute to increasing their anxiety and stress levels. Moreover, this condition later, adversely affects their psychological health.

It Can Isolate You

Misophonia is a complicated disorder that has potential to isolate you as it provokes you not to indulge in activities where triggering sounds might be a problem. For instance, if a sound of chewing food triggers your misophonia, you will avoid going to the restaurants. Moreover, sometimes the noise gets so annoying that a sufferer avoids eating with people even at home. That happens because to a misophonia sufferer, it is not only sound but he feels physical pain during the condition and being unable to tolerate it, he has to choose isolation to avoid the noise.

Possible Symptoms

There are physical and emotional symptoms associated with the selective sound sensitivity syndrome such as:

  • Shortness of breath
  •  Muscles Spasms
  •  Extreme hatred
  •  Constant irritability
  •  Headaches or pain in chest or entire body
  •  Uncontrollable reaction to a particular sound

Bottom Line

Misophonia doesn’t seem a life-threatening disorder, but it has potential to affect your psychological health. It is advised to schedule an appointment to get the best misophonia treatment in New York. Talk to the best misophonia treatment specialist today!

Call today for a free 15 min phone consultation 646-585-2251