EMDR therapy for adolescents with misophonia: A pilot study of a case series

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in treating adolescents with misophonia.

Article Abstract

“Introduction: There is preliminary evidence that EMDR may be helpful for improving symptoms of misophonia, but this has not yet been trialled in an adolescent population.

Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in treating adolescents with misophonia.

Method: A sample of four adolescent participants with misophonia was reviewed in the outpatient clinic at a national ear nose and throat hospital. EMDR was focused on misophonia-related memories and was delivered in 60-minute sessions. The self-assessed ratings of misophonia symptoms were assessed using the Amsterdam Misophonia Scale-Revised (AMISOS- R) and were compared pre- and post-EMDR treatment.

Results: A mean AMISOS-R score was measured at 16.5 (n = 4) pre-intervention, while the post-intervention mean AMISOS-R score was measured at 10 (n = 4).

Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that EMDR therapy, when focused on emotionally distressing misophonia memories, can reduce misophonia symptoms in adolescents. Further investigation, including large-scale randomised control studies of EMDR as a component of treatment for misophonia in adolescents, is warranted.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Howes, H., Rigby, K., & Dobos, E. (2025, Autumn). EMDR therapy for adolescents with misophonia: A pilot study of a case series. EMDR Therapy Quarterly. https://etq.emdrassociation.org.uk/2025/11/12/emdr-therapy-for-adolescents-with-misophonia-a-pilot-study-of-a-case-series/