(PS11-80) Investigating Core Symptoms and Interconnections in Misophonia via Network Analysis

Misophonia, characterized by a pronounced intolerance to specific sounds leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning, has only recently been identified and widely studied. This recognition underscores the necessity for further research to elucidate its psychopathology. Traditional latent models of conceptualizing psychopathology have faced criticism. In contrast, a network approach shows great promise in supplementing the deficiencies of the latent model. This method offers a more dynamic and interconnected view of psychopathology, potentially leading to more effective and targeted interventions. Therefore, this study utilized a network approach to analyze data from 144 adult participants, both with and without misophonia, using the Duke Misophonia Questionnaire. The research involved conducting four comprehensive network analyses focused on overall features of misophonia; specific cognitive, affective, and physiological symptoms in response to misophonia triggers; beliefs about misophonia; and different forms of impairment due to misophonia. The results revealed that certain internalized and externalized cognitive (avoidance, aggression) and affective reactions (anger, panic), along with self-esteem impairments and beliefs of non-acceptance of misophonia, are highly impactful within the misophonia symptom network. This detailed mapping of the misophonia network offers a new perspective for conceptualizing the disorder. It provides a data-driven basis for the rationale behind specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapies in treating misophonia, suggests key targets for intervention, and lays the groundwork for improved clinical approaches.