Misophonia Consensus and Community Building

A Consensus Definition for Misophonia

Alongside the MRF’s research funding efforts, SPARC has played a key role in fostering community, clarity, and alignment within the misophonia field. In 2020, the MRF partnered with SPARC to lead the development of a foundational definition for misophonia by engaging voices across the scientific, clinical, and advocacy communities. This collaborative effort culminated in the publication of the first consensus definition of misophonia in Frontiers in Neuroscience in March 2022, following a rigorous, multidisciplinary review and structured voting process. The full definition is available. Read the consensus definition.

This shared definition has become a meaningful and validating tool for individuals and families navigating misophonia, offering language to describe a shared experience. It is also advancing science, informing the MRF’s broader funding strategy, and shaping targeted initiatives to validate diagnostic tools and questionnaires anchored in the consensus framework.

Raising Awareness and Building Community

Improving awareness of misophonia among both the public and health-care professionals is essential to advancing research and reducing the disorder’s burden. Following the 2022 release of the consensus definition, SPARC worked with scientific leaders to publish commentaries aimed at clinical audiences and helped produce the first special issue of a scientific journal focused entirely on misophonia. In 2023, SPARC also co-organized the inaugural CARE for Misophonia Day—alongside the Misophonia Research Network, SoQuiet, and the MRF—to connect individuals and families with emerging science and evidence-based treatment approaches.