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Pfeiffer E, Allroggen M, Sachser C. The prevalence of misophonia in a representative population-based survey in Germany. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02707-0. [PMID: 38963546 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02707-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Misophonia is a new disorder, currently defined as significant emotional and physiological distress when exposed to certain sounds. Although there is a growing body of literature on the characteristics of the disorder, the prevalence in the general population is still relatively unknown. This study therefore aims at determining the prevalence and symptom severity of misophonia in a large and representative general population sample in Germany. METHODS To examine the prevalence of misophonic sounds, misophonic reactions and misophonia severity, a cross-sectional population representative survey in Germany has been conducted. Participants (N = 2.522) were questioned retrospectively about misophonic symptoms using the Amsterdam Misophonie Scale - Revised (AMISOS-R). RESULTS Overall 33.3% reported to be sensitive to at least one specific misophonic sound. Within the total sample, subthreshold symptoms were reported by 21.3%, mild symptoms were reported by 9.9%, moderate to severe symptoms were reported by 2.1%, and severe to extreme symptoms were reported in 0.1% of participants. CONCLUSION Based on the diverging presentations and prevalence rates of misophonic sounds, reactions and symptoms according to the severity, it seems worthwhile to conceptualize misophonia as a rather continuous spectrum disorder (subthreshold, mild, moderate to severe), still taking into account that an additional categorical diagnostic approach might be necessary to derive a diagnosis in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pfeiffer
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Steinhoevelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Marc Allroggen
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Steinhoevelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cedric Sachser
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Steinhoevelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
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Bodo CR, Salcudean A, Nirestean A, Lukacs E, Lica MM, Muntean DL, Anculia RC, Popovici RA, Neda Stepan O, Enătescu VR, Strete EG. Association between Chronic Misophonia-Induced Stress and Gastrointestinal Pathology in Children-A Hypothesis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:699. [PMID: 38929278 PMCID: PMC11201990 DOI: 10.3390/children11060699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Misophonia is a neurophysiological disorder with behavioral implications, is complex and multifactorial in origin, and is characterized by an atypical and disproportionate emotional response to specific sounds or associated visual stimuli. Triggers include human-generated sounds, mainly sounds related to feeding and breathing processes, and repetitive mechanical sounds. In response to the triggering stimulus, the patient experiences immediate, high-intensity, disproportionate physical and emotional reactions that affect their quality of life and social functioning. The symptoms of misophonia can occur at any age, but onset in childhood or adolescence is most common. Affected children live in a constant state of anxiety, suffer continuous physical and emotional discomfort, and are thus exposed to significant chronic stress. Chronic stress, especially during childhood, has consequences on the main biological systems through the dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, including the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we provide arguments for a positive correlation between misophonic pathology and gastrointestinal symptoms, and this hypothesis may be the starting point for further longitudinal studies that could investigate the correlations between these childhood vulnerabilities caused by misophonia and their effect on the gastrointestinal system. Further research to study this hypothesis is essential to ensure correct and timely diagnosis and optimal psychological and pharmacological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Raluca Bodo
- Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, George Emil Palade University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (C.R.B.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Andreea Salcudean
- Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, George Emil Palade University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (C.R.B.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Aurel Nirestean
- Department of Psychiatry, George Emil Palade University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (A.N.); (E.L.); (E.G.S.)
| | - Emese Lukacs
- Department of Psychiatry, George Emil Palade University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (A.N.); (E.L.); (E.G.S.)
| | - Maria Melania Lica
- Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, George Emil Palade University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (C.R.B.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Daniela Lucia Muntean
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | | | - Ramona Amina Popovici
- Department of Dental Preventive Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Oana Neda Stepan
- Department VIII-Neurosciences, Discipline of Psychiatry, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.N.S.); (V.R.E.)
| | - Virgil Radu Enătescu
- Department VIII-Neurosciences, Discipline of Psychiatry, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.N.S.); (V.R.E.)
| | - Elena Gabriela Strete
- Department of Psychiatry, George Emil Palade University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (A.N.); (E.L.); (E.G.S.)
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Krog E, Falck A, Nielsen GE. Preliminary validation of the Norwegian version of the Berlin Misophonia Questionnaire Revised (BMQ-R-NOR). Scand J Psychol 2024. [PMID: 38824419 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a psychometric evaluation of a Norwegian version of the Berlin Misophonia Questionnaire Revised (BMQ-R-NOR). DESIGN Participants completed online versions of the self-report questionnaire BMQ-R-NOR on two occasions and MQ-NOR on one occasion. Convergent validity was assessed through Spearman's correlation between BMQ-R-NOR and MQ-NOR. Internal consistency was evaluated with McDonald's omega and Cronbach's alpha. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using Cohen's weighted kappa and intraclass correlation. STUDY SAMPLE 82 participants with self-reported misophonia took part in the study at T1, and 53 of these participated at T2. However, only 41 of them were included in the test-retest analyses due to 12 participants being in treatment between T1 and T2. RESULTS Subscales from the BMQ-R-NOR and MQ-NOR were significantly positively correlated, indicating evidence of convergent validity (rs = 0.22*-0.74**). The BMQ-R-NOR showed overall good internal consistency (omega = 0.72-0.93; alpha = 0.70-0.93) and satisfactory test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.35-0.92). CONCLUSION The psychometric properties of the BMQ-R-NOR are considered satisfactory. However, it is advised to exercise caution when using it until further comprehensive validation studies are conducted to ensure robustness and reliability in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirin Krog
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Drammen Horsel [Drammen Hørsel], Clinic, Drammen, Norway
| | - Andreas Falck
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guri Engernes Nielsen
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Dual Sensory Loss and Deafblindness, Statped: Norwegian Service for Special Needs Education, Oslo, Norway
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Ay E, Huviyetli M, Çakmak E. The mediating role of anxiety in the relationship between misophonia and quality of life: findings from the validated Turkish version of MisoQuest. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1361645. [PMID: 38689723 PMCID: PMC11058809 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1361645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Misophonia is a disorder characterized by decreased tolerance to certain sounds or their associated stimuli, and many measurement tools have been developed for its diagnosis and evaluation. The aims of the current study were to develop the Turkish version of MisoQuest, a fully validated misophonia questionnaire, to evaluate the relationships between misophonia, anxiety, and quality of life, and to examine the mediating role of anxiety in the relationship between misophonia and quality of life. Methods The reliability of the Turkish version of MisoQuest was conducted using data from 548 participants (Mean age = 28.06 ± 9.36). Then, the relationships between misophonia, anxiety, and quality of life were evaluated in a separate sample of 117 participants (Mean age = 25.50 ± 6.31) using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Results The results showed that the Turkish version of MisoQuest has good psychometric properties. Close-to-moderate positive correlations were found between misophonia and anxiety, and weak negative correlations were found between misophonia and quality of life. Anxiety mediated the relationships between misophonia and quality of life. Discussion These results emphasize that misophonia may be an important problem affecting people's quality of life and reveal the mediating role of anxiety on this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Ay
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology, Baskent University, Ankara, Türkiye
- Department of Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Ankara University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Mert Huviyetli
- Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eda Çakmak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology, Baskent University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Abramovitch A, Herrera TA, Etherton JL. A neuropsychological study of misophonia. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2024; 82:101897. [PMID: 37657963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Misophonia is a recently identified condition characterized by negative emotional responsivity to certain types of sounds. Although progress has been made in understanding of neuronal, psychophysiological, and psychopathological mechanisms, important gaps in research remain, particularly insight into cognitive function. Accordingly, we conducted the first neuropsychological examination of misophonia, including clinical, diagnostic, and functional correlates. METHODS A misophonia group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 64) were screened for comorbidities using a formal semi-structured interview and completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and self-report measures of depression, anxiety, stress, impulsivity, and functional impairment. RESULTS The misophonia group significantly underperformed the control group on only 2 neuropsychological outcomes involving verbal memory retrieval. Subscales of the Misophonia Questionaaire (MQ) were inversely correlated only with measures of attention. The misophonia group reported significantly higher anxiety symptoms, behavioral impulsivity, and functional impairments, and had numerically higher rates of ADHD and OCD. LIMITATIONS To facilitate comparability, in lieu of a formal diagnostic algorithm for misophonia, we used a commonly used empirical definition for group allocation that has been utilized in numerous previous studies. CONCLUSIONS Misophonia was associated with a reduction in performance on a minority of cognitive tasks and a modest increase in some psychological symptoms and comorbid conditions. Correlational data suggest that difficulties with attention regulation and impulsivity may play a role in misophonia, albeit attention functions were intact. Results should be interpreted with caution given the variability in diagnostic definitions, and more research is needed to understand cognitive functioning under 'cold' conditions in misophonia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanya A Herrera
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Joseph L Etherton
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
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Hayes C, Gregory J, Aziz R, Cerejeira J, Cruz M, Simões JA, Vitoratou S. Psychometric Evaluation and Misophonic Experience in a Portuguese-Speaking Sample. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:107. [PMID: 38392460 PMCID: PMC10886306 DOI: 10.3390/bs14020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Misophonia, a disorder characterised by an extreme sensitivity to certain sounds, is increasingly being studied in cross-cultural settings. The S-Five scale is a multidimensional psychometric tool initially developed to measure the severity of misophonia in English-speaking populations. The scale has been validated in several languages, and the present study aimed to validate the European Portuguese S-Five scale in a Portuguese-speaking sample. The scale was translated into Portuguese using a forward-backwards translation method. The psychometric properties of the S-Five scale were evaluated in a sample of 491 Portuguese-speaking adults. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a five-factor structure consistent with previous versions of the S-Five scale. The five factors were as follows: (1) internalising appraisals, (2) externalising appraisals, (3) perceived threat and avoidance behaviour, (4) outbursts, and (5) impact on functioning. The satisfactory psychometric properties of the S-Five scale further indicated its cross-cultural stability. As a psychometrically robust tool, the S-Five can measure misophonia in Portuguese-speaking populations, allowing future studies to explore and compare misophonia in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Hayes
- Psychometrics and Measurement Lab, Biostatistics and Health Informatics Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AB, UK
| | - Jane Gregory
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
- Oxford Health Specialist Psychological Interventions Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Rahima Aziz
- Psychometrics and Measurement Lab, Biostatistics and Health Informatics Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AB, UK
| | - Joaquim Cerejeira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-270 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marina Cruz
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo de Ponta Delgada, 9500-370 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - José Augusto Simões
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Silia Vitoratou
- Psychometrics and Measurement Lab, Biostatistics and Health Informatics Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AB, UK
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Larsen EA, Hovland T, Nielsen GE, Larsen L. Preliminary validation of the Norwegian version of misophonia questionnaire (MQ-NOR). Int J Audiol 2023; 62:1002-1007. [PMID: 35984415 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2111372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a psychometric validation of a Norwegian version of the Misophonia Questionnaire (MQ-NOR) and to test the link between the personality trait neuroticism and misophonia assessed with the MQ-NOR. DESIGN Participants completed online versions of the MQ-NOR on two occasions about two weeks apart and the neuroticism scale from BFI-20. STUDY SAMPLE Two-hundred and twenty-seven (T1) and 173 (T2) participants with self-reported misophonia. RESULTS The MQ-NOR was found to comprise two factors: Symptom Scale and Emotions and Behaviours Scale. Overall, the MQ-NOR evidenced good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Regression analyses supported a positive relationship between misophonia and neuroticism that was moderated by participant age, but not gender. CONCLUSION The MQ-NOR demonstrates good psychometric properties, but until more extensively validated, it is cautiously recommended for use by clinicians in Norway to assessing misophonia. Future validation studies should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik-Aleksander Larsen
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Vestfold Hearing and Communication [Vestfold Hørsel og Kommunikasjon], Stokke, Norway
| | - Tine Hovland
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guri Engernes Nielsen
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- HEAR [HØR] Clinic, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linda Larsen
- Division of Mental & Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Mattson SA, D’Souza J, Wojcik KD, Guzick AG, Goodman WK, Storch EA. A systematic review of treatments for misophonia. PERSONALIZED MEDICINE IN PSYCHIATRY 2023; 39-40:100104. [PMID: 37333720 PMCID: PMC10276561 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmip.2023.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Research into misophonia treatments has been limited and it is unclear what treatment approaches may be effective. This systematic review extracted and synthesized relevant treatment research on misophonia to examine the efficacy of various intervention modalities and identify current trends in order to guide future treatment research. PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central were searched 4using the keywords "misophonia," "decreased sound tolerance," "selective sound sensitivity," or "decreased sound sensitivity." Of the 169 records available for initial screening, 33 studied misophonia treatment specifically. Data were available for one randomized controlled trial, one open label trial, and 31 case studies. Treatments included various forms of psychotherapy, medication, and combinations of the two. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) incorporating various components has been the most often utilized and effective treatment for reduction of misophonia symptoms in one randomized trial and several case studies/series. Beyond CBT, various case studies suggested possible benefit from other treatment approaches depending on the patient's symptom profile, although methodological rigor was limited. Given the limitations in the literature to date, including overall lack of rigor, lack of comparative studies, limited replication, and small sample size, the field would benefit from the development of mechanism-informed treatments, rigorous randomized trials, and treatment development with an eye towards dissemination and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A. Mattson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, United States
| | - Johann D’Souza
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, United States
| | - Katharine D. Wojcik
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, United States
| | - Andrew G. Guzick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, United States
| | - Wayne K. Goodman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, United States
| | - Eric A. Storch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, United States
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Bagrowska P, Pionke-Ubych R, Gawęda Ł. Do they make these sounds to hurt me? The mediating role of emotion regulation, anxiety and hostile attributions in the relationship between misophonia and paranoia-like thoughts. Schizophr Res 2022; 250:137-142. [PMID: 36410290 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Misophonia is a complex syndrome in which selective auditory stimuli, such as sounds of breathing, sniffing or eating, trigger an intense, negative emotional response. Previous studies have shown that the symptoms of misophonia coexist with a number of mental disorders, such as OCD, depression and anxiety. However, still little is known about other mental states that may be present in this context. A total of 312 people from the non-clinical sample participated in an online correlational study, which aimed at investigating whether there is a significant association between misophonia symptoms and paranoia-like thoughts, as well as to examine what factors might underlie this potential relationship. The results revealed that misophonia positively correlates with paranoia-like thoughts. A serial mediation analysis showed that difficulties in regulating emotions, anxiety and hostile attributions are significant mediators in the relationship between misophonia and paranoia-like thoughts. Importantly, these mediators, above all, form a potential coherent explanatory mechanism underlying this association. Hence, our results highlight the important role of socio-cognitive factors in the conceptualization of misophonia and its relation to paranoia-like thoughts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Bagrowska
- Experimental Psychopathology Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stefana Jaracza 1, 00-378 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Renata Pionke-Ubych
- Experimental Psychopathology Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stefana Jaracza 1, 00-378 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gawęda
- Experimental Psychopathology Lab, Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stefana Jaracza 1, 00-378 Warsaw, Poland
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Grossini E, Stecco A, Gramaglia C, De Zanet D, Cantello R, Gori B, Negroni D, Azzolina D, Ferrante D, Feggi A, Carriero A, Zeppegno P. Misophonia: Analysis of the neuroanatomic patterns at the basis of psychiatric symptoms and changes of the orthosympathetic/ parasympathetic balance. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:827998. [PMID: 36033627 PMCID: PMC9406292 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.827998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim Misophonia is a disorder characterized by reduced tolerance to specific sounds or stimuli known as “triggers,” which tend to evoke negative emotional, physiological, and behavioral responses. In this study, we aimed to better characterize participants with misophonia through the evaluation of the response of the autonomic nervous system to “trigger sounds,” a psychometric assessment, and the analysis of the neurological pathways. Materials and methods Participants included 11 adults presenting with misophonic disturbance and 44 sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Following recently proposed diagnostic criteria, the participants listened to six “trigger sounds” and a “general annoyance” sound (baby crying) during a series of physiological tests. The effects were examined through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the analysis of heart rate variability (HRV), and of galvanic skin conductance (GSC). The fMRI was performed on a 3T Scanner. The HRV was obtained through the analysis of electrocardiogram, whereas the GSC was examined through the positioning of silver-chloride electrodes on fingers. Furthermore, the psychometric assessment included questionnaires focused on misophonia, psychopathology, resilience, anger, and motivation. Results Participants with misophonia showed patterns of increased sympathetic activation in response to trigger sounds and a general annoyance sound, the low frequency (LF) component of HRV, the sympathetic index, and the number of significant GSC over the threshold, where the amplitude/phasic response of GSC was higher. The fMRI analysis provided evidence for the activation of the temporal cortex, the limbic area, the ventromedial prefrontal/premotor/cingulate cortex, and the cerebellum in participants with misophonia. In addition, the psychometric assessment seemed to differentiate misophonia as a construct independent from general psychopathology. Conclusion These results suggest the activation of a specific auditory-insula-limbic pathway at the basis of the sympathetic activation observed in participants with misophonia in response to “trigger and general annoyance sounds.” Further studies should disentangle the complex issue of whether misophonia represents a new clinical disorder or a non-pathological condition. These results could help to build diagnostic tests to recognize and better classify this disorder. The relevance of this question goes beyond purely theoretical issues, as in the first case, participants with misophonia should receive a diagnosis and a targeted treatment, while in the second case, they should not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Grossini
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Grossini,
| | - Alessandro Stecco
- Radiology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Carla Gramaglia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Daniel De Zanet
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Roberto Cantello
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Benedetta Gori
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Davide Negroni
- Radiology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Danila Azzolina
- Statistic Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrante
- Statistic Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Feggi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Carriero
- Radiology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zeppegno
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
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