EP52 features a discussion between Dr E and clinical psychologist, Dr. Ali Mattu, on the connection between misophonia – a disorder where certain sounds trigger emotional and physiological responses – and Selective Mutism.
In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Ali discuss what misophonia is, its connection to general anxiety disorder, strategies and tools to spot it in your children and treat it and more.
UNDERSTANDING MISOPHONIA
The episode begins with Dr. E and Dr. Ali discussing misophonia, where everyday sounds trigger intense emotional reactions.
Dr. Ali explains that Misophonia is due to emotional and memory-related brain activations rather than auditory issues.
The two mental health experts highlight the lack of a clear diagnostic definition and compare the condition to OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) in terms of distressing brain reactions, emphasizing it is a complex neurological issue.
MISOPHONIA’S CONNECTION TO GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER
Next, Dr. E and Dr. Ali discuss how anxiety disorders like Selective Mutism (SM) and Misophonia impact social communication. They highlight Misophonia’s role in causing avoidance and increased anxiety, using a vivid analogy to describe the frustration it causes.
Dr. Ali shares personal experiences with Selective Mutism and stresses viewing it as social communication anxiety.
The two experts emphasize parent education and compassionate understanding from educators and therapists.
HOW PARENTS CAN SPOT MISOPHONIA IN THEIR CHILDREN
The episode continues with Dr. E and Dr. Ali by continuing their discussion on misophonia, particularly its manifestation in reactions to sounds from close family members.
Dr. Ali shares personal experiences about his sensitivity to sounds and his son’s similar tendencies.
The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of misophonia and the importance of empathy from parents. Dr. E also highlights the hypersensitivity in children with Selective Mutism (SM) and the crucial role of meeting children’s emotional needs to build trust.
STRATEGIES & TOOLS FOR MANAGING MISOPHONIA
As the conversation progresses, Dr. E and Dr. Ali discuss the challenges of addressing misophonia within families. They emphasize making invisible issues visible and teaching both patients and parents to recognize and validate experiences.
Dr. Ali shares his personal struggles with misophonia. They highlight the importance of understanding root causes, validating all involved, and employing strategies such as desensitization, exposure, and emotional regulation to manage the condition.
EXPERIMENTATION & ADVOCACY ARE THE KEYS TO OVERCOMING MISOPHONIA
The podcast episode concludes with Dr. E and Dr. Ali discussing strategies for managing misophonia, including noise-canceling headphones and sensory adjustments.
They emphasize understanding anger in affected children, being an advocate in school, and finding suitable accommodations through experimentation. The conversation highlights family collaboration and the evolving nature of coping mechanisms.
