Petition to Recognize Misophonia in the DSM-6 and ICD-11/ICD-12

UPDATE: WE HAVE SUBMITTED OUR PROPOSAL TO THE ICD, LEARN MORE HERE: 

https://misophoniafoundation.com/who-icd-11-misophonia-proposal/

To: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO)

Subject: Inclusion of Misophonia in the DSM-6 and ICD 11 and 12.

We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization to recognize Misophonia as a distinct disorder in the next editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-6) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Misophonia is a debilitating condition characterized by an extreme emotional response to specific sounds, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Evidence Supporting Inclusion

1. Prevalence and Impact: Studies have shown that Misophonia affects a significant portion of the population. Wu et al. (2014) reported its incidence and clinical correlates among undergraduate students, emphasizing the widespread nature of this condition and its impact on mental health.
2. Neurological Basis: Research by Kumar et al. (2017) and Kumar et al. (2021) identified the brain and motor basis for Misophonia, revealing altered activity in the auditory cortex and salience network. This solidifies Misophonia’s status as a neurological disorder.
3. Sensory Integration: Misophonia shares similarities with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), as highlighted by Ayres (1968, 1972, 1979) and Davies et al. (2009, 2010). The overlap in sensory sensitivities underscores the need for formal recognition and appropriate diagnostic criteria.
4. Empirical Evidence: Brout et al. (2018) provided a comprehensive review of the empirical literature, suggesting a robust research agenda and clinical implications for Misophonia. This body of work demonstrates the scientific basis for its inclusion in the DSM and ICD.
5. Psychiatric and Medical Correlates: Rosenthal et al. (2022) identified psychiatric disorders and medical health correlates associated with Misophonia, further supporting its classification as a distinct disorder.
6. Treatment and Management: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating Misophonia, as demonstrated by Jager et al. (2021). Recognizing Misophonia in the DSM and ICD will facilitate access to appropriate treatment and accommodations for sufferers. With that said, the neurophysiological components must be studied more vigorously.

Clinical Implications

Misophonia is often misdiagnosed or dismissed, leading to inadequate support and accommodations for sufferers, especially in the USA. Recognizing Misophonia as a legitimate disorder will:

• Improve Diagnosis and Treatment: Clinicians will have the necessary guidelines to accurately diagnose and treat Misophonia, improving patient outcomes.
• Enhance Research: Formal recognition will stimulate further research into the etiology, prevalence, and treatment of Misophonia, ultimately benefiting those affected.
• Ensure Accommodations: Individuals with Misophonia will be eligible for necessary accommodations in educational, workplace, and social settings, reducing the burden of this condition.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Misophonia in the DSM-6 and ICD-12 is crucial for advancing the understanding and treatment of this condition. The evidence presented supports the recognition of Misophonia as a distinct disorder, warranting its classification in these critical diagnostic manuals. We urge the APA and WHO to consider this petition seriously and take the necessary steps to include Misophonia in the next editions of the DSM and ICD.

Sign Here:

1,076 signatures so far.

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Learn more about Misophonia:

Misophonia Matters Class for Adults and Teens (On Demand)

An Introduction to Misophonia for Clinicians

References

• Ayres, A. J. (1968). Sensory integrative processes and neuropsychological learning disability. Learning Disorders, 3.
• Ayres, A. J. (1972). Sensory integration and learning disorders. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services.
• Ayres, A. J. (1979). Sensory integration and the child. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services.
• Bowen Center for the Study of the Family. (n.d.). https://www.thebowencenter.org/
• Brout, J.J., Edelstein, M., Erfanian, M., Mannino, M., Miller, L.J., Rouw, R., Kumar, S., & Rosenthal, M.Z. (2018). Investigating misophonia: A review of the empirical literature, clinical implications, and a research agenda. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12(36).
• Brout, J.J. (2021). A clinician’s guide to understanding and managing misophonia from a self-regulation perspective: Regulate, reason, reassure. The International Misophonia Research Network.
• Dunn, W. (2014). Sensory profile 2. Bloomington, MN, USA: Psych Corporation.
• Jager, I.J., Vulink, N.C.C., Bergfeld, I.O., van Loon, A.J.J.M., & Denys, D.A.J.P. (2021). Cognitive behavioral therapy for misophonia: A randomized clinical trial. Depression and Anxiety, 38(7).
• Jastreboff, M. M., & Jastreboff, P. J. (2001). Components of decreased sound tolerance: Hyperacusis, misophonia, phonophobia. ITHS Newsletter.
• Kumar, S., Tansley-Hancock, O., Sedley, W., Winston, J.S., Callaghan, M.F., Allen, M., Cope, T.E., Gander, P.E., Bamiou, D.E., & Griffiths, T.D. (2017). The brain basis for misophonia. Current Biology, 27(4).
• Kumar, S., Dheerendra, P., Erfanian, M., Benzaquén, E., Sedley, W., Gander, P.E., Lad, M., Bamiou, D.E., & Griffiths, T.D. (2021). The motor basis for misophonia. Journal of Neuroscience, 41(26).
• LeBouef, T., Yaker, Z., & Whited, L. (2023). Physiology, autonomic nervous system. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538516/
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• Porcaro, C.K., Alavi, E., Gollery, T., & Danesh, A.A. (2019). Misophonia: Awareness and responsiveness among academics. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 32(2).
• Rinaldi, L.J., Simner, J., Koursarou, S., & Ward, J. (2023). Autistic traits, emotion regulation, and sensory sensitivities in children and adults with misophonia. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(3).
• Rosenthal, M.Z., Anand, D., Cassiello-Robbins, C., Williams, Z.J., Guetta, R.E., Trumbull, J., & Kelley, L.D. (2021). Development and initial validation of the duke misophonia questionnaire. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.
• Rosenthal, M.Z., McMahon, K., Greenleaf, A.S., Cassiello-Robbins, C., Guetta, R., Trumbull, J., Anand, D., Frazer-Abel, E.S., & Kelley, L. (2022). Phenotyping misophonia: Psychiatric disorders and medical health correlates. Frontiers in Psychology, 13.
• Schröder, A., Vulink, N., & Denys, D. (2013). Misophonia: Diagnostic criteria for a new psychiatric disorder. PLOS ONE, 8(1).
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• Shanker, S., & Barker, T. (2016). Self-Reg: How to help your child (and you) break the stress cycle and successfully engage with life. Canada: Penguin Random House.
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