The number one question I’m asked is: “How can I get help for my misophonia… or my child’s misophonia?”
What follows here is everything I know about misophonia diagnosis and treatment from resources which I believe to be reputable.
But before we get started please remember…
Misophonia isn’t ‘officially’ recognised as a disorder yet in most countries.
We’re all working hard to change this but It’s important to remember that misophonia still isn’t recognised in the DSM-5 in the USA (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or by the WHO (the World Health Organisation). These two entities call the shots on what’s perceived as a medical disorder, both the USA and much of the world.
Why is this important to bear in mind?
Until misophonia is ‘officially’ recognised it will be hard pin down a truly effective, unified and universally accepted approach when it comes to treatment and diagnosis. There is, quite literally, no manual yet. That’s not to say that there aren’t amazing minds working on amazing treatments, it just means that we need to be careful when it comes to managing expectations.
There are lots of so-called cures and madcap treatments out there. Before you part with any of your hard earned money please read this first: misophonia treatment and the need for ethics and regulation.
Looking for tips on getting misophonia support from your school or university? Click here.
Ok, I get it! Just give me the resources
This is a small list at the moment but hopefully this will grow as more occupational therapists, audiologists, neurologists and regulated medical professionals with a good degree of knowledge and expertise in misophonia come forward.
For readers based in the UK
For readers based in the UKNHS: The Oxford Health Specialist Psychological Intervention Centre (OHSPIC)
Is a service that “aims to provide highly specialist, evidence based interventions”. They take on patients with misophonia and treatment is largely CBT based. Treat is for children and adults. Important: in order to receive treatment here you will first need to be referred by your GP. Even if your GP hasn’t heard of misophonia explain the situation and ask if you can get a referral here. Visit website
NHS: Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
This practice now offers misophonia treatment on the NHS for misophonia for both children and adults. Currently the treatment is mainly focussed around CBT and mindfulness. Important: in order to receive treatment here you will first need to be referred by your GP. Even if your GP hasn’t heard of misophonia explain the situation and ask if you can get a referral here. Visit website
NHS: Maudsley Hospital: Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma (CADAT)
The Maudsley is a world renowned psyhicatric hospital based in South London. The CADAT “provides assessment and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) locally and nationally” for many disorders including misophonia. Treatment is for adults only. Important: in order to receive treatment here you will first need to be referred by your GP, (you can find their referral form here). Visit website
Private: Connie Nxumalo, Gleam Globe
Connie is an occupational therapist with specialist training and extensive experience working with clients, in particular children and teenagers, who have misophonia. She is also trained in sensory integration as well as other sensory based approaches. Occupational therapy is the treatment we believe to be most effective for patients with misophonia. Visit website
Private: Joanne Ross, The Allied Health Practice
Joanne is an independent practitioner who offers occupational therapy services for a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including misophonia, for both children and adults. Visit website
Private: Henrietta Roe, Harley Street Hearing
Henrietta is an audiologist based in London. A few years ago I was referred to her for a different ear-related issue but while I was there I spoke to her about misophonia and hyperacusis. She was able to run tests for hyperacusis (a misophonia like aversion to volumes over a certain threshold) and confirm that I had it. She also understood, really understood, misophonia. Her philosophy was about referring patients for non-invasive, talking exercises and therapy. Visit website
Global providers
Global providersAt the time of writing all but one of these are US based (with the exception of Dr Vulink in The Netherlands) but this directory will grow over time.
Free coping techniques you can try
Misophonia coping techniques are something we cover quite often in Allergic to Sound. Here are some of the most effective strategies we’ve come across over the years.
Make sure you also check out the comments sections where others share their tips.
8 Misophonia Coping Strategies
Can you help?
Are you a registered audiologist, neurologist or occupational therapist with experience working with misophonia patients? Maybe you have misophonia and have received helpful diagnosis and/or treatment from one of the above. If so please drop me a line here.
Misophonia is not a mental disorder. Misophonia is a neurological disorder. It does not belong in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Hi Susan, the DSM-5 covers neurological disorders including autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, ADHD, OCD and so on and as such (in my opinion) would be right place to include misophonia. You can see a more detailed definition of the DSM-5 and a list of some of the disorders it includes here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DSM-5
Hope this helps.
Hi,
I am a Hungarian. I am extremely sensitive to different noises. Sharp sudden noises or if my husband clearing his throat.
Sometimes it is like you would stik a sharp knife into my brain, so painful! I become agressive from it.
I have read about misophonia. I think I have exactly these symptoms!
I have learnt that misophonia is under research. If any researcher need volunteer patient to help I am ready.
Thanks Andrea! I’ve just taken off your email address here to ensure you don’t get spam. If you sign up to the Allergic to Sound email newsletter I’ll let you know if there are any studies that they need volunteers for
I understand that jab to the brain feeling! Fortunately, I don’t get that feeling a lot.