Participants sought for child, adolescent misophonia study

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 experiencing either selective sound sensitivity (misophonia) or anxiety without having misophonia. The study requires participation in online assessment sessions. The child and parent or guardian will complete a series of online questionnaires, clinical interviews and behavioral tasks. Eligible participants will participate in psychological assessments, including electroencephalograph and an audiological assessment. Participants will be compensated $90 ($30 parent and $60 child) for the online assessment sessions, $40 for the in-person session, as well as an additional $10 for parking and travel expenses. The child also has the option to complete two optional follow-up online surveys three and six months later and will be compensated $15 for completion of each survey.

For more information, contact Gifty Amos Nwankwo at misophonia@bcm.edu.