Have you ever reacted in a way that you surprised even yourself after listening to someone chew, or hearing a dog lick their paws? You know, when there are just certain noises and sounds that you can’t stand and absolutely HATE? When you’re eating dinner with your family and instantly become all hot and bothered? Let me ask you this: are you guilty of giving the death glare, getting up to leave a room, shaking, or screaming at someone uncontrollably because you just cannot bear to hear that dreaded sound for another second? When you become so irritable out of nowhere that you even scare yourself with how feisty you become towards the person making what seems like the worst sound you’ve ever heard in your life? Yes, well the blood-boiling rage you feel towards those certain sounds is in fact, a disorder: Misophonia. A word you may not be familiar with just yet, but allow me to enlighten you and tell you that you’re not alone. So, here’s the scoop and all you need to know about Misophonia, “a.k.a.” mealtime torture, and something that's totally out of your control!
Misophonia is most often associated with the sound of someone else chewing. However, this can go for other scenarios too- like nails on a chalkboard, clicking, silverware scraping a plate, dogs licking, loud hand dryers in a bathroom, snoring, etc. This disorder is a selective sound sensitivity syndrome that is triggered in the brain and sends those affected into a strong panic or rage. Serious anger begins to creep up out of nowhere and anyone else involved may as well just get out of the way because you never know what might happen if it continues! You will try just about ANYTHING to avoid those sounds and dodge the discomfort. Some reactions to these types of sounds may make you feel a variety of ways: anxious, distressed, uncomfortable, annoyed, disgusted, hatred, fear, rage or panic. I am guilty, I admit it. I have legitimately yelled at someone for the way that they chew, or awkwardly tried to leave the situation, and could not understand why. Now (even though my attitude towards this phenomenon still bothers and confuses them), they follow suit and put a standstill on whatever sound they are making as soon as I give them “the look” – before it goes any further.
A few fun facts: this disease is more commonly found in girls and is also found in about 20% of the nation’s population. Another similar form of noise sensitivity includes hyperacusis, which is basically just having another, similar, negative reaction to specific sounds. It is often triggered worse by loved ones. My coworker (who also suffers) even informed me that Kelly Ripa admitted on live TV that she suffers from this- so you know it’s a real thing! Doctors have no cure for this and no real explanation thus far. Some do believe it in may regard problems in the way that the central nervous system works, by developing an emotional (often undesirable) association between a normal, yet potentially irritating noise that triggers an aversive reaction for those who suffer. If you can relate to anything described above, there is a pretty good chance that you’re part of the Misophonia club, too.
So, when your family and friends continue to tell you that you’re crazy, mean, sensitive, or a little too emotional today- share this article with them. It may be true that you are simply just overly alert and sensitive to specific sounds that drive you wild. Misophonia is a condition that some people face every day and is something to be aware of- at least for the sake of relationships. Encourage others to do their research!
References
What is misophonia. (2016). Retrieved from WebMD website:
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/
Edwards, R. (2015, March). Misophonia. Retrieved from MedicineNet website:
http://www.medicinenet.com/misophonia/artcile.htm
Dsiegal. (2013, July). Is it true what they're saying about Kelly ripa? Retrieved from National Enquirer website:
htpp://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrity/exclusive-it-is...
