Misophonia and Potential Underlying Mechanisms: A Perspective

Front Psychol. 2018 Jun 29:9:953. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00953. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

There is a growing research interest in the diagnosis rate of misophonia, a condition characterized by a negative emotional/autonomic reaction to specific everyday sounds. Diagnosis of misophonia requires a thorough case history and audiological test procedures. Associative and non-associative learning models for understanding the underlying mechanisms of misophonia have been presented. Currently, there is no cure or pharmaceutical agent for misophonia; however, therapy programs addressing misophonia and its characteristics do exist. Investigation of comorbid conditions and other psychological therapy strategies might help to reveal more about the underlying mechanisms and potentially lead to a successful treatment method.

Keywords: associative learning; auditory system; classical conditioning; limbic system; misophonia; sensitization.

Publication types

  • Review