If everyday noises like chewing, slurping, pen clicking, or even someone breathing make you feel irritated, anxious, or enraged, you might be dealing with misophonia. This condition involves strong emotional reactions to specific sounds and can disrupt both daily routines and relationships.
Misophonia, a term introduced in 2001, is thought to affect between 5% and 20% of people. However, experts believe the real number might be higher since many cases go unreported or undiagnosed.
Research from the Netherlands suggests that individuals with misophonia may also be genetically prone to other conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and tinnitus—the persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears. One particular study found a genetic connection between misophonia and the personality trait known as irritability. This might explain the intense anger or frustration some people experience when they hear their trigger sounds, followed by avoidance behavior or guilt.
Dirk J.A. Smit, a psychiatric neuroscience researcher at Amsterdam University Medical Center, led a large study using genetic data from over 80,000 people. His team looked at 44 traits and disorders, covering mental health conditions, hearing issues, and even education levels, to explore links to misophonia.
One interesting genetic marker, rs2937573, was found to be associated with sensitivity to chewing noises and is located near a gene involved in brain development. Although the genetic overlap with PTSD, anxiety, and depression wasn’t surprising, researchers were intrigued to find a negative correlation with autism, a condition also known for sensory sensitivities.
Smit cautioned that more research is needed to understand the full genetic picture. One limitation of the study was that participants self-reported having misophonia rather than being clinically diagnosed. Additionally, the study focused mostly on anger, even though misophonia symptoms can also include fear, disgust, anxiety, and physical effects like rapid heartbeat or muscle tension.
In summary, misophonia is a complex condition with possible genetic roots and emotional consequences that go beyond mere irritation. If certain everyday sounds are affecting your quality of life, it might be worth looking into further.