Misophonia is a neurodivergent, physiological condition with sensory-motor and brain-based origins. Burnout can occur when persistent exposure to misophonic triggers and ongoing masking tax the nervous system beyond its capacity. Burnout extends beyond shutdown, reflecting a sensory state where regulation fails rather than a purely emotional or psychological experience. Common burnout symptoms include exhaustion, reduced functioning, a “low battery” feeling, social withdrawal, and increased need for sensory-soothing or calming activities. Research links burnout in autism to increased risk of suicidal ideation, and suicidal ideation has also been reported in misophonia literature. Responses should avoid forcing exposure therapy, since sensory information can be cumulative.
"Burnout refers to a sensory state that is beyond shutdown (the point where persons with neurodivergent conditions are no longer able to function properly), and is caused by persistent exposure to triggers, masking (refers to the process of acting 'normal' or hiding misophonia), and an overall lack of capacity to regulate the nervous system. Since persons with misophonia are in fight-flight-freeze whenever they are triggered by the misophonic response, it stands to reason that burnout is the end result of not being able to regulate one's nervous system."
"Burnout is not just an emotional or psychological state; it is a physiological state where the nervous system is taxed beyond its capacity. Common symptoms of burnout are exhaustion, limited function, a 'low battery,' social withdrawal, and an increased need for sensory-soothing or calming activities. It is important to consider burnout as a serious part of misophonia, especially as those with autism have shown an increased risk of suicidal ideation from burnout (Reid, 2024)."
"The response to misophonia burnout should be twofold: first, persons with misophonia should not be forced to endure exposure therapy, which is counterintuitive to sensory information being cumulative (Tr"
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