Misophonia

[AnxiousFurry]

I just joined this forum recently and while filling out my profile, I noticed that there was an option to chose OCD as a health interest, but not the offshoot Misophonia.

For those that don't know, Misophonia is a disorder where certain sounds, often repetitive, can cause you to become uncontrollably enraged and/or panicked. For me, my trigger is chewing (and subsequently crumpling snack bags since my brain knows the chewing comes next) and my episodes of anger that follow can be very debilitating.

It's a very rare disorder (I've only met 2 other people in my life that have it), but does anyone here have Misophonia and have tips on how to cope with encountering their triggers or dealing with an episode?

[Hidden]

I would like to welcome you to the OCD Support Network.

We are here to help and offer hope to each other.

We are in this together.

I wish you good health.

[AnxiousFurry in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the welcome!

[Jen_m03]

Oddly enough, I have OCD and my husband has mesophonia. Chewing is one of the worst for him but there are several things that bother him.

My OCD therapist said their clinic treats mesophonia, so you may start at OCD clinics if you’re interested in treatment. He hasn’t undergone treatment yet so I can’t offer specific strategies. 😕 He wanted to make sure whoever he talks to knows what they are doing so it doesn’t get worse.

[Gretajetta in reply to Jen_m03]

Hi Jen, where do you find an OCD clinic. I am seeing a therapist and I have told her the things I do for OCD and she will give me small suggestions how to control it but it doesn’t help. I am going to have a gastric bypass in September for severe acid reflux. I have already had acid reflux surgery and it failed. I am on 6 pills a day for it and I’m still having a hard time. I am a little overweight but I do not qualify for the surgery because my BMI is 29 and u need a BMI over 40. However I qualify because I have severe reflux. I am worried because this is very strange but I like to make myself gag. Since the Nissan surgery I cannot throw up. Even if I tried because there is a wrap around my esophagus that will not allow acid to come up. The acid is eating at my vocal cords and stomach and I need this surgery. They are going to undo the wrap and if elf gag like I do everyday I will throw up. That can kill me. I cannot stop it’s a compulsive thing that will drive me crazy til I do it at least 18 times. I need help for it. I cannot tell my surgeon because I. Sure they will not do the surgery. Before the surgery I constantly add myself throw up after eating. I am sure this gagging thing is taking the place of it but I really need help. How do I find a clinic?

[Jen_m03 in reply to Gretajetta]

Hi - I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. It sounds really tough. Has your therapist talked to you about ERP? The IOCDF website has information about how to find a therapist. I suggest doing as much reading / educating yourself on the treatment of OCD (podcasts are another option) so that you can understand if your therapist is checking the boxes. Effective treatment really is key. I made much quicker progress once I found someone who knew what they were doing. Best of luck.

[Gretajetta in reply to Jen_m03]

Thank you Jen I really appreciate the info. I do read up a lot on it. It took a year to get in with this therapist and the only reason I did was I needed a psych evaluation to get surgery for a spinal cord stimulator. I tried several times to find a psychiatrist and no one in my area is accepting new patients. I need another psych evaluation for the gastric bypass. I cannot use mine and I understand that but the first available is September 28th. It’s hard to get help around here. I read online and books.

[Jen_m03 in reply to Gretajetta]

Have you looked into providers who offer telemedicine? I have to drive almost 2 hours to my therapist, but if that wasn’t an option I would need to look into telemedicine / video appointments because I’m in an area without providers. Maybe more people are offering this with COVID?

[Gretajetta]

Hi welcome to the group. I did not hear of that disorder however when someone cracks their knuckles I want to punch them in the face. A lot of things bother me and I have OCD it’s funny because I can do things and it’s ok but when others do it it drives me nuts and I know it’s silly but it’s true. I have bad anxiety and panic attacks and OCD everyone in my house knows I hate it and everyone try’s to not crack their knuckles but there are times when someone does it and I 😬. I hate it. I don’t do it myself. Chewing is annoying but the bag crumpling pisses me off. I understand you. I don’t know if I have that disorder or not but certain things drive me mad and cracking knuckles is one of them. Vent anytime. Welcome to the group.

[AnxiousFurry in reply to Gretajetta]

You should look into researching it! If you think these noises bother you enough that you get legitimately angry, it might be something that you want to check out or talk to your doctor about.

And thanks for the welcome!