Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are conducting a study to examine the symptomatic characteristics of misophonia and anxiety in children and adolescents. Misophonia is a condition in which exposure to certain noises, such as others’ breathing, chewing, and speech cause significant distress, such as anger, anxiety or disgust.
“Misophonia can be debilitating for many people, yet little is known about how the condition presents and how to effectively intervene,” said Dr. Eric Storch, professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and vice chair of psychology at Baylor. “This project will be key to advancing knowledge in how these symptoms start among children.”
Qualified participants must be between the ages of 8 and 17 years and are experiencing either selective sound sensitivity (misophonia) or anxiety without having misophonia. The study requires one visit to the Baylor campus. Experts will conduct psychological assessments, including electroencephalography, heart rate and an audiological assessment. The child and accompanying parent or guardian will complete a series of questionnaires, clinical interviews and behavioral tasks. Participants will be compensated $100 at the end of the appointment, as well as an additional $10 for parking. The child also has the option to complete two optional follow-up online surveys three and six months later, and will be compensated $20 for completion of each survey.
