Abstract
The objectives of this thesis are first, to increase knowledge concerning the phenomenology of misophonia and second, to investigate the effectiveness of different treatments for misophonia.
In this thesis the phenomenology of misophonia is studied in a highly qualitative and quantitative sample (N=575). This leads to new insights and an important revision of the diagnostic criteria. Misophonia is considered a psychiatric disorder, which is characterized by anger and disgust provoked by human sounds in particular.
The effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy (G-CBT) on misophonia symptoms compared to a waiting list control group is investigated in the first randomized controlled trial of G-CBT for misophonia worldwide. Three months of G-CBT reduces misophonia symptoms compared to the waiting list condition. Clinical improvement is found in 56% of all completers (37% intention-to-treat) compared to 0% in the waiting list control group. One year after the end of treatment, the reduction in misophonia symptoms sustains. This thesis also consists the treatment manual for G-CBT, illustrated by single clinical case study.
Moreover, a pilot study of case series shows that alternative treatment options, notably eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, can be considered. EMDR therapy, focused on emotionally disturbing misophonia-related memories, significantly reduces misophonia symptoms in three of eight participating patients.
The new insights gained from the studies in this thesis contribute to a further development of scientific research into misophonia.
In this thesis the phenomenology of misophonia is studied in a highly qualitative and quantitative sample (N=575). This leads to new insights and an important revision of the diagnostic criteria. Misophonia is considered a psychiatric disorder, which is characterized by anger and disgust provoked by human sounds in particular.
The effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy (G-CBT) on misophonia symptoms compared to a waiting list control group is investigated in the first randomized controlled trial of G-CBT for misophonia worldwide. Three months of G-CBT reduces misophonia symptoms compared to the waiting list condition. Clinical improvement is found in 56% of all completers (37% intention-to-treat) compared to 0% in the waiting list control group. One year after the end of treatment, the reduction in misophonia symptoms sustains. This thesis also consists the treatment manual for G-CBT, illustrated by single clinical case study.
Moreover, a pilot study of case series shows that alternative treatment options, notably eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, can be considered. EMDR therapy, focused on emotionally disturbing misophonia-related memories, significantly reduces misophonia symptoms in three of eight participating patients.
The new insights gained from the studies in this thesis contribute to a further development of scientific research into misophonia.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Awarding Institution | |
| Supervisors/Advisors |
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| Award date | 3 Feb 2022 |
| Print ISBNs | 9789490791933 |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
