Misophonia: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction

Misophonia refers to a condition in which there is a strong aversion to certain sounds, in response to it the person reports unpleasant emotional experiences and autonomic arousal.

Objectives

To present the case of misophonia carrier and discuss diagnostic features.

Methodology

Case report and literature review.

Results

Female, 32 years old, married, two children. In anamnesis reported obsessional symptoms (Check doors and windows, concerned with order and symmetry of objects; read all that lies ahead, pull the hand two or three times on mobile) since adolescence. Also reported triggering situations of anger: intolerance to some noises and sounds, like chewing third, mobile keyboard, click the “mouse” computer, printer and rub hands. In the presence of these noises, she tries to move away, and already tried to attack physically relatives and insulting co-workers. She was treated with escitalopram and re-evaluation after thirty days, reported partial relief misophonia and reduction of obsessional symptoms.

Conclusion

The condition was first described in the early 2000s by two audiologists, and has become the focus of interest in the field of psychiatry. Some reports suggest that misophonic symptoms may be part of other conditions such as Tourette's syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Specifically, the characteristics shared between misophonia and OCD, as the relief of discomfort associated with avoidance behaviour suggest that the condition is part of the obsessive-compulsive spectrum, which seems to happen with the case described above.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.