Today-Misophonia-Sept-8-2011.mov

A few informational websites and support forums include:
http://www.misophonia.info/
http://www.misophonia.info/Forum/
http://www.soundsensitive.org/
http://www.misophonia-uk.org/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Soundsensitivity/

This Today Show video segment covers a condition called Misophonia. It's not new, but also not well known.

Though more research is needed, sufferers may lack certain neurological filters when it comes to processing certain types of soft sounds — usually eating sounds, though there are many other possible triggers. It's also possible the ears distort certain sounds causing them to be filtered through the limbic system. The sound is then treated as a physical threat (like feeling a spider on your arm), and creates a fight or flight response where the sufferer has no ability to stop and think about whether there is actually a threat or not. The sufferer has an immediate urge to escape (heart rate rises, stress chemicals are released, etc.). If they cannot escape (flight), they lash out in self-defense (fight) — usually verbally at the offender — but it could also be directed inward in a self-destructive manner.

In retrospect, sufferers know that there was/is no danger or threat — but these reactions don't give the opportunity to think first — it's a gut reaction (even when you're waiting for the next torturous 'crunch'). Ultimately, the person can feel in a state of "threat" for very long periods of time by constant exposure to a multitude of triggering sounds (and movements). When forced to live, go to school or work in places with constant triggers, it can lead to adrenal fatigue and other health problems.

One thing is clear — this is NOT a psychological problem — though it can cause them. It is a sensory processing dysfunction, which is why drugs for OCD, depression, etc. may help reduce the resulting conditions, but not the Misophonia itself.

View the referenced sites above for potential treatment plans. Apparently some people have found relief with varying techniques, though most sufferers have tried "everything under the sun" to no avail.

This is not a new condition, but it also is not very well known. Helping to make this condition known may help many sufferers — as well as those "in the line of fire." Believe it or not, many have contemplated suicide to stop their torturous suffering. And though it may not sound like a big deal to those who don't suffer from it, it is a serious condition for many who do.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• misophonia
• 4s
• sound sensitivity

[katbayer]

For more current information from knowledgeable sources, or to find support forums, check out the links in the summary section under the video.

[Mrminicookies]

im soo happy someone else feels the same i hate small noises it drives me crazy!!!!!!!!!! i want a cure

[HowToDs]

Now all we need is a god damn Cure!

[jorgekluney]

The sound of the next door neighbor kid dribbling his basketball drives me insane. I feel like such a freak. God, what I would do to not have this reaction anymore.

[alwaysdonnie72]

i want to punch this guy in the mouth when he's eating his 'crisp'



[alwaysdonnie72]

the worst visual and sound on here was the dog eating, i freaked out!

[1216saab]

Had this but now cured myself

[TheQueenOfAmb]

I wish I could show this to all the people who abandonned me and made fun of me.

[artiepoore]

@HowToDs I also have misophonia, and I have heard of something that has been known to CURE misophonia. I haven't tried it yet myself, but its called Schema Conditioning Psychotherapy. Good luck!

[KristiNicolexoxo]

I'm just extremly thankful that Misophonia is finally being recognized ! For years I thought I was the only one...that I was crazy. But finally people are begining to understand and see that this is a real problem, and we do need help ! What a relief to know atleast some people now will have the decency to chew with thier mouths closed and stop making such horrible we can't stand. But atleast were all together in this and have each other for support.

[manFISH59]

WOW I'm not alone and im only 13.. This is not something you can just deal with its like every day torture I can barley last at school I mean I would give a arm to get rid of this and it's really happening I'm not alone .....I hope there is a cure

[faithm]

Wow. I have this but I have lessened the rage affect by trying to be empathetic to the person making the noise. Over the years, it's helped me get over crunching bothering me, but I don't think that slimy noise will ever NOT bother me.

[lisaxmalfoy]

i have this.