Getting annoyed by chewing noises is a genuine psychiatric disorder?

Do you find yourself irritated by the sound of someone chewing loudly? Do you feel like screaming when your co-worker chomps on an apple in the middle of a meeting? If yes, then congratulations, my friend! You might have Misophonia, which is said to be a genuine psychiatric disorder. But before we dive deep into this subject, let’s begin with the basics.

What is Misophonia?

Misophonia is defined as an extreme dislike or hatred towards specific sounds that certain people find annoying. These trigger sounds can range from loud chewing to heavy breathing and even pen-clicking or tapping on keyboards. Misophonia sufferers often experience overwhelming feelings of anger, anxiety, nervousness or disgust when exposed to such sounds.

The Symptoms

Some common symptoms associated with misophonia include:

  • A sudden onset of irritation
  • Increased irritability over time
  • Inattention and restlessness
  • Imagination moving towards negative thoughts related to choking etc.
  • Repeatedly expressing their condition

Does it qualify as a mental disorder?

As shocking as it may seem at first glance, neurologist Pawel Jastreboff and his wife Margaret created buzz around the term “misphona” back in 2001 while discussing tinnitus (ringing sensation in ears) sources – identifying misphona as one potential source for tinnitus. Although not officially recognized yet by ICD – International Classification for Diseases but still many researchers vouch for its validity as a real medical condition.

OCD vs Misophonia

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) tends to get mistaken often for misophobia due to similar symptoms presented; however there are differences present between two conditions : OCD tends concern itself more with performance compulsions whereas misophobia portrays itself in withdrawing from allergens. OCD has positions through infections towards receiving help whereas misophobia does not – thus making apparent the distinctness of these conditions and that Misophonia is truly a disorder in itself.

Possible Causes

Researchers say that people with Misophonia might have differences in their brain activity related to sound processing functions than those who do not suffer from this condition. It could also possibly include previous trauma, experience or even genetics but due to insufficient helpful studies conducted yet proof cannot be claimed conclusively.

Brain and Body Signals

Brain scans show higher excitation levels released while being stimulated for trigger sounds amongst sufferers which proves an excessive level of distress felt outside the typical auditory cortex region i.e. more wider spread nervous intensity resulting inflammation caused due to chemicals from brain signals fighting back irritants in system, provides possibility behind why patients feel pain like sensation rather than just agitation upon hearing allergens.

Management Strategies

While there’s no established complete cure as it can vary patient wise; many management techniques prove useful whilst dealing with this issue :

Seeking Support

Talking about your condition to friends / family members can let them understand better & provide some emotional support too – joining online forums and groups within social media platforms are additional alternatives. Counseling aimed at behavioral practice experiencing desensitization may work out too.

Sound-cancellation Tools

Incorporating noise-masking devices especially headphones playing songs specifically composed metal source helps elude extreme annoyance feelings – attempting possible distractions into routine activities such as drawing etc., using white noise machines alongside conducting mindful breathing exercises to get relief bouts tolerance towards allergens observed among subjects..though initially tough but practice makes it feel significantly acceptable over time.

Conclusion

Misphonia isn’t something we hear often however certain people (over 20%) struggle noticeably daily! It is evident how serious this eating disorder mean psychologically and therefore important for health industry experts conduct more research in order determine conclusive evidence so as to better help people living with this experiencing distress. To summarize: ”While it’s not officially recognized as an ailment, misophonia is something that can be seen challenging upon sufferers at times and thus garnering attention towards itself slowly but surely”

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