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    Stuff You Should Know

    Misophonia: More Than an Annoyance

    Tue May 07 2024
    misophoniasound sensitivityemotional reactionstreatment optionscoping strategies

    Description

    The episode explores misophonia, a condition where certain sounds trigger strong emotional reactions. It covers the recognition, causes, impact, coping strategies, treatment options, and personal stories related to misophonia. The episode also mentions other podcasts like 'A Really Good Cry' and 'Many Questions'.

    Insights

    Misophonia Prevalence

    The prevalence of misophonia is estimated to be around 3.2% based on treatment-seeking individuals, but other studies suggest it could affect up to 20% of the population.

    Brain Activity and Genetics

    Studies using fMRI machines show hyperactivity in the anterior insular cortex (AIC) and excess myelin in the medial frontal cortices of individuals with misophonia. Genetic studies suggest a link between misophonia and PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

    Treatment Options

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) shows effectiveness in treating mesophonia and meso-kinesia. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) with sound therapy has shown positive results for mesophonia patients. Be cautious of online treatments for mesophonia, seek help from neurologists or neuropsychologists. Exposure therapy for mesophonia is controversial, best practices involve stopping treatment if emotional response occurs.

    Managing Misophonia Triggers

    Therapy for misophonia involves listening to trigger sounds while doing something else or associating them with less emotional reactions. Self-treatment options for misophonia include wearing noise-canceling headphones and avoiding triggering sounds like eating with family. Advocacy and self-awareness are important in managing misophonia triggers, as well as removing oneself from triggering situations to calm down quickly.

    Chapters

    1. New Season and Live Shows
    2. Misophonia
    3. Sound Sensitivity Conditions
    4. Understanding Misophonia
    5. Brain Activity and Genetics
    6. Impact and Coping Strategies
    7. Treatment Options
    8. Managing Misophonia Triggers
    9. Personal Stories and Other Podcasts
    Summary
    Transcript

    New Season and Live Shows

    00:01 - 07:06

    • The podcast is back with a new season investigating the identity of a woman buried in Gail Katz's grave for a decade.
    • Upcoming live shows in various cities are announced, starting from May and extending to September.

    Misophonia

    06:39 - 13:52

    • Misophonia is a condition where certain sounds trigger strong emotional reactions in individuals.
    • Misophonia can be exacerbated by comorbidities like anxiety.
    • Ambulance sirens and chewing sounds are compared to illustrate the impact of misophonia triggers.
    • Misophonia was officially recognized as a condition by an expert committee in 2022, showing how recent it is in the medical field.
    • The term 'misophonia' was first described in 2001 by Powell and Margaret Jastreboff, who were studying decreased sound tolerance conditions.

    Sound Sensitivity Conditions

    13:22 - 20:09

    • There are different conditions related to sound sensitivity like mesophonia, hyperacusis, and phonophobia.
    • Mesophonia and phonophobia seem to have a neurobiological and possibly genetic basis.
    • In 2022, a diagnostic definition of mesophonia was created, but the exact cause is still unknown.
    • Hyperacusis is believed to be more of a mechanical issue rather than a neurological one.

    Understanding Misophonia

    19:46 - 27:03

    • Misophonia gained more recognition through internet forums and articles like the one by Joyce Cohen in 2011.
    • People with misophonia experience strong emotional reactions like anger, anxiety, and disgust to specific trigger sounds.
    • These emotional reactions can also manifest physically with symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and tightness in the chest.
    • Behavioral responses to misophonia triggers can range from glaring at someone to extreme cases of violence or self-harm.
    • Studies show that people with misophonia are more sensitive to soft sounds rather than loud noises.
    • The prevalence of misophonia is estimated to be around 3.2% based on treatment-seeking individuals, but other studies suggest it could affect up to 20% of the population.

    Brain Activity and Genetics

    26:39 - 33:55

    • Approximately 20% of the population may have misophonia, with women possibly making up 83% of those affected.
    • People with misophonia do not have better hearing; it is a difference in brain connectivity.
    • Studies using fMRI machines show hyperactivity in the anterior insular cortex (AIC) and excess myelin in the medial frontal cortices of individuals with misophonia.
    • There is a theory that misophonia may be triggered by overactive mirror neurons, particularly related to orofacial movements.
    • Genetic studies suggest a link between misophonia and PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
    • Misophonia could potentially be an evolutionary relic serving as alarms for groups.

    Impact and Coping Strategies

    33:36 - 40:29

    • People with misophonia and misokinesia can find support and understanding on Reddit boards dedicated to their conditions.
    • Some individuals with misophonia or misokinesia try mirroring the triggering actions to counteract their experiences.
    • Misophonia and misokinesia can impact relationships and work environments negatively.
    • Close relationships can make individuals more attuned to triggers of misophonia or misokinesia.
    • The emotional component of sounds in misophonia and misokinesia may trigger personal feelings of outrage or disgust.

    Treatment Options

    40:07 - 47:30

    • Podcast 'A Really Good Cry' focuses on regulating emotions and holistic personal development
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) shows effectiveness in treating mesophonia and meso-kinesia
    • Be cautious of online treatments for mesophonia, seek help from neurologists or neuropsychologists
    • Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) with sound therapy has shown positive results for mesophonia patients
    • Exposure therapy for mesophonia is controversial, best practices involve stopping treatment if emotional response occurs

    Managing Misophonia Triggers

    47:18 - 54:14

    • Therapy for misophonia involves listening to trigger sounds while doing something else or associating them with less emotional reactions.
    • Self-treatment options for misophonia include wearing noise-canceling headphones and avoiding triggering sounds like eating with family.
    • Advocacy and self-awareness are important in managing misophonia triggers, as well as removing oneself from triggering situations to calm down quickly.
    • Research is being conducted on misophonia, offering hope for a verifiable cure or treatment in the future.
    • The podcast discusses the kind gesture of Choctaw Native Americans who donated money during the Irish Famine, leading to a lasting connection between Ireland and the Choctaw Nation.

    Personal Stories and Other Podcasts

    53:44 - 56:04

    • Bob Grace shared a great story about a college scholarship on the podcast.
    • The host is happy to relearn things and wishes they could watch movies over and over like Bob.
    • A new season of The Girlfriends podcast investigates the identity of a woman buried in Gail's grave.
    • Radi de Vlucia has a new podcast called A Really Good Cry where emotional topics are discussed.
    • Mini Driver hosts the podcast Many Questions where guests answer the same seven questions, including celebrities like Courtney Cox and Rob Delaney.
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