Melissa Gilbert, known for her role in “Little House on the Prairie,” recently opened up about her diagnosis with misophonia, a condition characterized by a decreased tolerance to specific sounds. The disorder is not officially recognized as a distinct disorder, but is widely acknowledged by experts. People with misophonia experience unpleasant physiological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses to triggers such as oral or nasal sounds made by others. Symptoms of misophonia include emotional reactions like anger, anxiety, fear, and irritability, as well as bodily reactions like increased heart rate and sweating. The severity of symptoms can vary, with some individuals experiencing only emotional and body reactions, while others may also have behavioral reactions.
The exact cause of misophonia is unknown, but factors such as family history/genetics, brain structure differences, and other conditions may contribute to a misophonia diagnosis. The condition can affect one in five people and can develop at any age, though it is most common in women and often develops during the teenage years. As an adult, Gilbert struggled to navigate her triggers while raising her children, using hand signals to communicate her discomfort with certain sounds. Throughout menopause, she found that her reactions to triggers intensified as her estrogen levels decreased. When Gilbert learned about misophonia and sought treatment through cognitive behavioral therapy, she found relief and a sense of control over her condition.
In addition to her struggles with misophonia, Gilbert has faced other health challenges over the years. In 2020, she underwent a life-altering neck surgery, her fourth procedure related to spinal issues. The surgery involved removing old implants, repairing a failed fusion, and installing a new disc. Gilbert described the experience as life-altering and shared updates on her recovery post-surgery. In 2023, she was hospitalized for cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that caused her arm to swell and become inflamed. After receiving treatment, Gilbert quickly began to recover and emphasized the importance of taking bug bites seriously to prevent the infection from spreading.
Despite the health challenges she has faced, Gilbert remains determined to raise awareness about misophonia and share her story in the hopes of helping others with the condition. Through her own journey with treatment, she has found ways to manage her symptoms and regain a sense of control over her life. By speaking out about her experiences with misophonia, as well as her other health struggles, Gilbert is advocating for greater understanding and support for those dealing with similar conditions. Through her openness and resilience, Gilbert continues to inspire others to seek help and not suffer in silence.
