Misophonia Answers
Frequently asked questions about misophonia
Does treatment from an audiologist help misophonia?
Audiologists can help assess hearing thresholds and hyperacusis, a similar but different condition. They also can offer sound-based therapeutic approaches. None are proven, and anecdotally, some people will and others will not find these approaches helpful.
Is misophonia genetic?
It is unclear. There is only one pilot study, which used 23andMe’s data, on this question. It shows some interesting genetic correlations with some mental health problems but is only based on one question about feeling rage when other chew, and the results are not considered definitive or final.
Does exposure therapy help misophonia?
Exposure therapy using traditional habituation-based exposure to sounds is not recommended. However, it may be helpful to learn how to approach and respond differently to triggers and associated cues as part of a broader set of treatment approaches. That may be called “inhibitory learning exposure,” and is part of what is being studied and showing promise for misophonia.
Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [CBT] help misophonia?
CBT is not one thing. It is a family of therapies that includes acceptance and change strategies to help change unhelpful patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving, and dealing with stress. Some CBTs are being tested for misophonia and showing promise. This includes interventions using various coping skills to regulate emotions, attention, thinking, physiological sensations, and communication.
What is the misosphere?
The misosphere is the entire misophonia community and includes all people whose lives are affected by misophonia.