What’s next for misophonia? Child and parent priorities for misophonia advocacy, treatment, and research

Abstract

Background

Misophonia is characterized by sensitivity to specific common sounds and associated visual stimuli. Despite a high estimated prevalence in the general population, “misophonia” as a term remains largely unknown by the general population, with research on misophonia treatment still in a nascent stage. This is especially the case in children and adolescents, despite misophonia most often beginning in this time. To guide the growing foundation of misophonia literature, this study seeks to inquire about advocacy, research, and treatment priorities from the perspective of youth with misophonia and their parents.

Methods

In this study, twenty youth with clinically significant misophonia (ages 10–17) and their parents engaged in semi-structured focused interviews. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using an inductive approach.

Results

Eight themes were identified, including Advancing Awareness for Advocacy, Misophonia is Outside a Child’s Control, Practical and Misophonia-Specific Therapies Needed, Understanding the Neurobiology of Misophonia, Defining Misophonia Beyond Sound Triggers, Understanding the Daily Impact of Misophonia, Uncovering the Misophonia-Mental Health Connection, and Long-Term Prognosis.

Discussion

While some participants’ ideas were distinctive to their experience, several themes, described above, emerged across interviews. These findings propose paths forward for future advocacy, research, and treatment development.