Misophonia and Neurodivergent Burnout |
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Misophonia is a neurodivergent, physiological condition with a strong sensory-motor and brain-based origin.
Burnout occurs when persistent trigger exposure and masking tax the nervous system well beyond its capacity.
Burnout is dangerous, as research links it to an increased risk of suicidal ideation in neurodivergence.
Burnout is a concept that is most commonly referred to in autism, ADHD, and AuDHD circles and research. Since misophonia is most likely a neurophysiological condition and neurodivergent (Brout et al, 2018), with a sensory-motor and brain basis (Kumar, 2021), it is not surprising that persons with misophonia also experience burnout. 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........