When sounds are unbearable: Understanding misophonia, with Heather Hansen, PhD

In this episode of Speaking of Psychology, Kim Mills interviews Dr. Heather Hansen about misophonia, a condition where certain sounds trigger intense emotional responses. Dr. Hansen differentiates misophonia from mere annoyance, explaining its impact on daily life and cognitive functions. They discuss the history of misophonia research, its prevalence, and the types of sounds that trigger reactions, noting individual variations. Dr. Hansen shares neuroimaging findings related to brain connectivity and explores the connections between misophonia and other mental health conditions. The conversation covers the impact of triggering sounds on cognitive and social judgments, as well as related conditions like misokinesia and ASMR. Dr. Hansen also addresses potential treatments, coping mechanisms, the typical onset of misophonia, and ways to support individuals with the condition, highlighting the importance of open communication.