Misophonia: A Condition in Search of a Diagnosis: Review of its History, Identification, Differential Diagnoses, Clinical Implications, Treatment and Management

Objective: To review the clinical presentation, evaluation, and management of misophonia.

Methods: Literature searches for articles describing, identifying, diagnosing and treating patients with misophonia

Results: Identifying and managing misophonia is recommended in clinical practice for early recognition and intervention. Most studies conducted on misophonia have been based on case reports and few systematic studies. Various psychotherapeutic and social interventions could decrease the intensity and to help restore the daily functioning of those afflicted by misophonia. There is no scientific evidence or any approved specific medication to treat misophonia. No pharmacologic interventions have shown beneficial effects in ameliorating the psychological distressing effects of misophonia.

Conclusion: Informative population studies in addition to randomized placebo-controlled double-blind studies are still needed in the context of identifying the main underlying etiology and the appropriate treatment of this potentially devastating condition

Keywords: Misophonia, diagnosis, pharmacology, psychotherapy, intervention, treatment.