connectivity data supports link to OCD like traits in Misophonia and a possible differentiator for other sound issues

In a 2026 study, Ajmera used an optimized machine learning framework applied to resting-state fMRI data to identify neural connectivity-based markers of misophonia across individuals categorized as misophonia-only, misophonia with hyperacusis, and controls. The findings indicate that misophonia exhibits OCD-related traits at a neural level, particularly through altered connectivity in basal ganglia and frontoparietal control circuits, suggesting shared mechanisms involving compulsivity, motor inhibition, and intolerance-related processes; importantly, because these subcortical alterations were observed specifically in the misophonia-only group and not in the comorbid group, the results imply that OCD-like neural features may be more central to “pure” misophonia rather than reflecting general sound intolerance or hyperacusis (Ajmera et al., 2026).