For many Christmas dinner is mostly a moment of joy, laughter and indulgence. But for people living with misophonia, however, the holiday can be a source of intense stress and discomfort, especially when it involves spending long hours around the dinner table.

Misophonia is a condition in which certain everyday sounds, often those made by people eating, drinking or moving, trigger strong emotional reactions, including anger, panic or disgust. A 2023 study conducted by researchers from King’s College London and the University of Oxford found that nearly one in five people in the UK experience misophonia at a level that significantly affects their daily lives.

The study also highlighted a striking reality: most sufferers have never heard of the condition, leaving many to cope in isolation.

Dr Silia Vitoratou, lead author of the study at King’s College London, said: “Only 14% of those deemed highly affected by misophonia had heard the term before.”

Misophonia is not limited by age, gender, or cultural background; however, it often develops during the early teenage years.

Lottie Doyle, 23, has lived with the condition since she was 16.

While she is looking forward to seeing and spending time with her family this Christmas, she knows the only way to survive the holiday meal is with a pair of earplugs.

She told the BBC: “I get this feeling of sudden panic, my whole body will just tense up and it feels like I’m in danger, and I need to somehow control these noises.”

She added: “There are so many different triggering sounds at Christmas and that can be anxiety inducing and make you dread it.

“My family are understanding, but I’m very conscious that I don’t want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It’s like a really big battle of sacrificing my own sanity to make sure everyone else is happy.”

Misophonia isn’t life-threatening directly, but it can affect mental health, relationships and overall well-being. Severe cases may provoke strong emotional and physical reactions that are difficult to control, including fight-or-flight responses, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

While there is no official cure, therapies targeting related conditions, such as anxiety or obsessive-compulsive traits, can help sufferers manage symptoms.

Experts believe misophonia may be linked to differences in brain structure and heightened neural responses to sound. Genetics, other neurological conditions, and hearing-related issues can also play a role.

Although the disorder can feel isolating, research shows that sufferers are far from alone. Awareness and understanding from family and friends, alongside practical coping strategies, can make social events like Christmas far more manageable.