Everyone gets on our nerves when someone chews gum or nervously moves their leg under the table. It is not something that is considered normal. However, for some people, these sounds or movements can cause a sensation. anxiety it interferes with your daily life. The sound case known as misophonia, It has been studied quite well. However, mysokinesisin which other people’s movements cause discomfort remains somewhat of a mystery to scientists.
It should be clear that in both cases the reaction to sounds or movements is not a simple irritation. These people experience anger, anxiety, frustration and a strong need to get away from the noise or movement that caused these emotions. As for misophonia, it is estimated that 33% of the population suffers from it to a greater or lesser degree. This is quite a high figure. There is much less research on misokinesis, but it is possible that the percentage is the same.
Why does this happen? And, more importantly, what can people with mysokinesis do to avoid running away from any persistent movement that makes them uncomfortable?
Causes of mysokinesis
It has been observed that in both misokinesis and misophonia, people suffering from the condition have greater activity in an area of the brain known as misokinesis. anterior insular cortex. This is the area that connects what comes to us through our senses with our emotions. So while the sound of a dripping faucet or a persistent foot moving under the table can make us all uncomfortable, when brain activity is higher, emotions become more intense.
On the other hand, in the case of mysokinesis it is believed that mirror neurons may play an important role. These are the ones that are activated both when we perform an action and when we see someone else perform that action. Some older research suggests that this is why yawning is contagious. Although there are studies today that point in other directions, this is a way to understand the role of these neurons. In a sense, through it we sense what the other person is doing.
Because movements that cause discomfort to people with myokinesis are usually caused by nervousnessMirror neurons reproduce and even amplify this nervousness. For example, if someone moves a pencil between their fingers during an exam to try to relieve test nerves, a person with myokinesis will feel those same nerves just by watching them move the pencil. Even if you don’t have to take the exam. Your nerves might be even stronger.
What can be done to avoid this?
Like misophonia, misokinesis cannot be healHowever, the discomfort it causes can be reduced if breathing or anxiety management techniques. This is still a source of anxiety, like any other. The problem is that sometimes it is difficult to carry out these techniques on your own, so you may need to contact a psychologist. At least in the beginning.
It is important to remember that avoiding social contact to avoid anxiety is never the answer. If you believe you suffer from mysokinesis and have already found yourself in this situation, it is time to seek help.
Source: Hiper Textual
