What Are Misophonia Symptoms?
Recognize the signs and understand how misophonia affects daily life.
Misophonia affects people differently, but the condition usually involves strong emotional or physical reactions to specific sounds. Common symptoms include:
1. Emotional Reactions
Intense feelings of irritation, anger, anxiety, or even panic when exposed to trigger sounds like chewing, lip smacking, pen clicking, or breathing.
2. Physical Responses
Symptoms may include increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tension, or a “fight-or-flight” response when hearing triggering sounds.
3. Behavioral Avoidance
People with misophonia may avoid social situations, meals, or environments where triggering sounds are common, affecting daily routines and relationships.
4. Difficulty Concentrating
Trigger sounds can interrupt focus, making it hard to work, study, or enjoy media like music, podcasts, or videos.
5. Emotional Distress After Exposure
Even after the sound has stopped, lingering feelings of frustration, anger, or stress may persist, affecting mood and well-being.
6. Heightened Sensory Sensitivity
Some individuals may become more sensitive to other sensory inputs, like touch or light, especially during episodes triggered by sound.