Managing Misophonia in Adolescents: A Review

A systematic review of 21 studies has found a clear shift from anecdotal reports to structured, testable interventions for misophonia in adolescents and young adults. The review, authored by Tanya Singh and Satish Kumaraswamy, synthesizes evidence from studies published between 2013 and 2025, offering the most current map of treatment approaches for this undercharacterized condition.

Mapping the Evidence: A Systematic Review Approach

To create a comprehensive picture, Singh and Kumaraswamy searched four major databases—PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar—for studies published between 2010 and 2025. They used a structured search strategy and assessed the quality of each of the 21 included studies with tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The studies ranged from 15 case reports and three case series to one randomized controlled trial and one non-randomized controlled trial. This methodology allowed them to evaluate not just what interventions exist, but also the strength of the evidence behind them.

From Anecdotes to Organized Treatment

The most significant finding is a trend in the literature. Early studies were predominantly descriptive case reports. The more recent literature shows a move toward defined intervention protocols that can be tested and repeated. This progression is vital for building a reliable treatment framework for a condition often misunderstood by patients and clinicians alike. For individuals struggling, this trend away from purely anecdotal evidence is a positive step toward validated care, a topic further explored in our article on managing misophonia in adolescents and young adults.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Leads the Way

Among the organized interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy emerged as the most frequently used and studied approach. CBT helps individuals alter their thought patterns and behavioral responses to triggering sounds. The review noted that family-adapted CBT variants are particularly prominent. This makes clinical sense, as misophonia triggers—like chewing or breathing—are often produced by family members in home environments. Involving the family in treatment can improve support and reduce conflict. This focus on psychological intervention aligns with other process-oriented approaches, such as those discussed in our feasibility study on process-based misophonia treatment.

Supplementary Role of Medication and Sound Tools

The review found that pharmacological approaches (like medications for anxiety or depression) and audiological tools (like hearing aids or sound generators) were rarely used as standalone treatments for misophonia. Instead, they were primarily employed to support main interventions like CBT. For instance, a sound device might be used to provide relief in conjunction with therapy. This supplemental role differs from their application in conditions like tinnitus, where tinnitus masking devices can be a primary management strategy.

Gaps in the Research and Future Directions

Despite the encouraging trend toward structured methods, Singh and Kumaraswamy are clear: the evidence base is still limited. Only two of the 21 studies were controlled trials. The heavy reliance on case reports and series means it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about what works best for most people. The authors call for more high-quality research, especially randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes. They also identify key developmental considerations for the 10-35 age group, for whom misophonia can severely impact education and social development.

Practical Implications for Patients and Clinicians

For someone seeking help, this review suggests starting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable about CBT for misophonia, particularly approaches that involve family members. It also indicates that while medications or sound therapy might be part of a discussion, they are unlikely to be a complete solution on their own. For clinicians, the review provides a needed synthesis of a scattered literature and underscores the importance of moving beyond simple trigger avoidance toward active, evidence-based coping strategies. The stress of coping with misophonia in academic settings is a related challenge, detailed in our article on misophonia awareness and student stress levels.

The review by Singh and Kumaraswamy, available via DOI 10.61096/ijamscr.v14.iss2.2026.1093-1111, charts the progress and the considerable work still needed to build effective, accessible treatments for misophonia.