I have a strong aversion to the sounds of other people eating, or
doing other activities related to eating. When someone eats in my
presence, if I am not also eating or otherwise distracted, I often
begin to feel anger or even rage. These symptoms increase as I become
more familiar with a specific person and the sounds of their eating.
(I am often unphased the first few times that I hear a person eating.)
I am much worse if someone is a sloppy eater (smacking, etc.), but
even normal, polite eating can fill me with anger.
So far, I have been able to restrain myself from saying anything to
coworkers, casual friends, or acquaintances, but with boyfriends or
roommates, it's impossible. I've never become physically violent at
all - only verbally.
These feelings started when I was 17 and have gotten worse with time
(I'm 27 now). Increasingly, I am also bothered by other sounds
relating to eating, such as sipping, slurping, pouring of liquids,
scraping of plates, etc. Sounds that are related to food serving
bother me, while the same sounds do not bother me if they are
unrelated to food. (For instance, cellophane being removed from a
granola bar can make me angry, while cellophane being removed from a
cassette tape does not.)
So, I really have several questions.
1. Is there a name for this disorder? Can it be classified within the
DSM?
2. Are there support groups or web sites related to people with
problems like mine?
3. [briefly, if not too complex] What kinds of therapies are available
or commonly recommended, if any?
Thank you in advance! |
