2023-09-19 13:49:45
“Voice Aversion” Syndrome: A Sensory Disorder of Aversion to Faint Sounds
A new study published in the magazine “PLOS One” has shed light on a common yet largely unknown sensory disorder called “voice aversion” syndrome. This disorder, also known as misophonia or selective sound sensitivity syndrome, is characterized by an extreme aversion to everyday sounds made by others, such as chewing, coughing, or breathing. Approximately one in five adults is affected by this disorder, with women being the majority sufferers.
According to Dr. Michael Mufson, a psychiatrist and director of the Center for Complex Diagnostics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, individuals with voice aversion syndrome experience an exaggerated emotional response to these light sounds. It goes beyond feeling annoyed and can lead to distress, anger, or disgust. People with this condition often go to great lengths to avoid situations where these sounds occur, but it is virtually impossible to completely escape them.
Misophonia has long been a hidden disorder, with only 14 percent of study participants aware of the diagnosis before the survey. However, as the stigma surrounding the disorder diminishes, more people are seeking help and understanding. Dr. Mufson explains, “We are seeing more people with this syndrome in public. Before, people were afraid that their doctor would call them crazy, but now it is no longer a hidden disorder.”
The exact cause of misophonia is still unknown, but research suggests that it may have a neurological basis. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience points to a distinctive neural pattern in the brains of individuals with misophonia. While some people may have had this disorder for most of their lives, it can also appear at any age.
Diagnosing misophonia can be challenging, as other disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder can overlap with its symptoms. However, doctors are now becoming more adept at distinguishing misophonia from these other conditions to provide effective treatment.
Treatment options for misophonia are expanding, and cognitive-behavioral therapy appears to be a promising approach. In a small study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety, over one-third of participants reported improvement in their symptoms and social functioning after undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy. The therapist helps identify individual sound triggers and works with the patient to develop new responses and coping strategies.
Additionally, individuals with misophonia can reduce their aversion to sound through various techniques, such as wearing earplugs or headphones, using white noise machines, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
If you know someone with misophonia, it is crucial to provide support and understanding. Encouraging them to seek therapy and reassuring them that they are not crazy can make a difference in their journey towards managing this disorder. Though misophonia may be challenging, it is not a hopeless condition, and with the right treatment and support, individuals can experience relief and improved quality of life.
Sources:
– Study published in “PLOS One”
– Dr. Michael Mufson, psychiatrist and director of the Center for Complex Diagnostics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
– Study published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience
– Study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety
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