Misinterpreted & Misunderstood
Misophonia is a disorder that often goes unnoticed—not only by the public but also by those who live with it. This is partly due to a lack of awareness about the disorder, but also because it can resemble many other conditions. As a result, misophonia is frequently confused with other conditions or, in some cases, overlooked entirely. For example, if an individual already has a diagnosis such as ADHD, misophonia may be misattributed to overwhelm or overstimulation rather than recognised as a separate issue.
It might seem hard to believe that someone could have misophonia without knowing it, right? As I mentioned in my previous post, I lived with misophonia for about 20 years before I even knew what it was—and this was before my ADHD diagnosis! So, I imagine there are many people with misophonia out there right now without even realising they have it.
To give you a better idea, here’s a closer look at what misophonia might resemble—and why it’s often misinterpreted as something else entirely:
• Anxiety
• Irrational Rage
• Disgust
• Irritability
• OCD
• Intolerance
• Panic Attacks
• Distress
• Depression
• Avoidance
• ASD
• ADHD
• PTSD
• Bipolar Disorder
• Phobias
• Overstimulation/Overwhelm
• Sensory Issues
• Hyperacusis
• Frustration
• Hyperfocus (on the trigger/person)
• Emotional Dysregulation
• Nervousness
• Stress
• Tension
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Avoidance
I can personally relate to most of the above. When I hear a trigger, I tend to hyperfocus on it, making it hard to concentrate. I’ll do whatever I can to remove myself from the situation to avoid it, and my response could range from anxiety to irrational anger, depending on the trigger. And, let’s be honest, this is never ideal when I’m out in public! Looking back, it’s embarrassing to think I may have appeared selfish, strange, or maybe even a little unhinged—perhaps even perceived as just an angry person. But here’s a little secret: in those moments, the reaction is so overwhelming that I rarely have the capacity to care about how I come across. My entire being is consumed by the trigger, and my response feels entirely out of my control. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling this way?!
The reality of misophonia is much more complex than simply reacting to sounds. It’s not just irritation or frustration—it’s an uncontrollable emotional and physical response that can significantly disrupt daily life. Misophonia is much more than a fleeting annoyance; it affects the way people experience and interact with the world around them.
Understanding misophonia, how it presents, and how it overlaps with other conditions is an important step toward raising awareness and fostering compassion. It’s about recognising that these intense reactions are not about being overly sensitive or dramatic—they’re a real, neurological condition that requires understanding and support.
Misophonia is still widely misunderstood, and that lack of awareness can often leave those affected feeling isolated, invalidated, or dismissed. But by opening up conversations, offering empathy, and educating each other, we can create a more supportive environment for those living with it. Everyone deserves to be seen and understood, and the first step is to realise that what may seem like an overreaction is, in fact, a genuine and often debilitating condition.