A recent study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience has shed light on the genetic factors associated with misophonia, a condition that triggers intense emotional reactions to certain sounds. The research found significant correlations between misophonia and anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), tinnitus, and personality traits.
The study used genome-wide association data from large-scale sources like the UK Biobank and 23andMe to identify genetic factors underlying misophonia. The researchers discovered that individuals genetically predisposed to misophonia were more likely to experience anxiety and PTSD symptoms. They also found a moderate correlation between misophonia and tinnitus, suggesting shared psychological or neural mechanisms.
However, the study also revealed an unexpected negative correlation between misophonia and autism spectrum disorder, indicating that individuals with genetic traits associated with misophonia are less likely to have autism. This finding contrasts with earlier clinical observations.
While the study provides important insights into the genetic factors underlying misophonia, its limitations should be considered. The research focused on genetic propensities within the general population rather than individuals who have been clinically diagnosed with misophonia. Therefore, the results may not directly examine the disorder itself in diagnosed individuals.
Future studies are needed to investigate whether different emotional responses to misophonia trigger sounds are associated with different genetic profiles. Additionally, the team is focusing on how misophonia manifests in specific populations, such as individuals with autism.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/misophonia-shares-genetic-links-with-depression-anxiety-and-ptsd/