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For some folks, the mere sight of somebody tapping their foot, twirling their hair or clicking a pen can set off an intense sense of discomfort, and even rage. This response is named “misokinesia,” a sensitivity to repetitive actions that may make on a regular basis interactions difficult.
It’s only a lately explored phenomenon in analysis. However research counsel that as much as one-third of the inhabitants experiences some stage of discomfort when confronted with the repetitive actions of different folks. These triggers can embody issues similar to one other particular person bouncing their leg repeatedly, or biting their nails, fidgeting—even yawning. Misokinesia might have an effect on an individual’s job and their private lives.
Misokinesia produces what has been likened by some as a “fight or flight” response in folks residing with the situation, with reactions together with a rise in blood stress, adrenaline and coronary heart palpitations. Different bodily reactions similar to nausea are attainable too.
There may also be cognitive reactions, similar to a scarcity of focus or endurance, destructive or violent ideas, and emotions of anger and disgust.
It may be person-specific. Because of this individuals who expertise misokinesia discover some folks’s repetitive actions are extra triggering than others. This may make it tough to spend time with specific folks comfortably as a consequence of their opposing wants. For instance, it could be tough for an individual with misokinesia to be round somebody who’s stimming (using self-stimulating conduct similar to leg bouncing) for emotional regulation.
Misophonia
Misokinesia is much like misophonia, which is a powerful dislike or hatred of sure sounds, usually made by folks, similar to yawning, respiration or chewing. It may also be person-specific and may have an effect on an individual’s day-to-day life, together with their means to control their feelings.
Misophonia usually co-occurs with nervousness, despair, obsessive-compulsive dysfunction (OCD), post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD) and a spotlight deficit hyperactivity dysfunction (ADHD).
Misokinesia, nonetheless, is totally visible. Whereas the 2 circumstances can co-occur, they’re distinct experiences.
Provided that some folks with misophonia report experiencing misokinesia too, it suggests a attainable shared neurological foundation. However analysis into each circumstances stays in its early levels.
The precise causes of misokinesia stay unclear, however it could be as a consequence of a mixture of neurological, psychological and genetic components. There’s proof that neurodivergent folks, together with autistic folks and people with ADHD, could also be extra prone to expertise each misokinesia and misophonia.
Folks with each of those circumstances might expertise stigma, with different folks believing they’re overreacting. This may have an effect on whether or not an individual who experiences misokinesia will share their experiences with others. It may additionally cut back the probability that they may search help.
There isn’t any official prognosis for misokinesia, nor for misophonia. Discussions are ongoing about whether or not they need to be acknowledged as medical circumstances, nonetheless.
Can misokinesia be managed?
Cognitive behavioral remedy (CBT) could also be one approach to cut back the results of each misokinesia and misophonia on an individual’s life. CBT can assist an individual establish their triggers, acknowledge their reactions and be taught rest strategies to observe in real-life situations. Working towards rest strategies can assist to handle each the physiological and psychological responses to a set off.
Sensible methods, similar to subtly blocking one’s view of the motion, shifting focus to a different a part of the surroundings, or explaining triggers to these round them can also assist cut back misery.
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