We are pleased to announce that Despina Melanthiou, a PhD student in the Zanos Lab, was featured in an article published in Politis newspaper on December 14, 2025, discussing her research on misophonia and its neurological underpinnings.

The article, titled “When Everyday Sounds Become Pathologically Unbearable,” explores misophonia as a neurological condition that affects approximately 10-20% of the general population. Despina’s work focuses on understanding how common everyday sounds, such as chewing, breathing, or keyboard typing, can trigger intense negative emotional and physiological responses in individuals with this condition. While these sounds are typically innocuous to most people, those suffering from misophonia experience them as unbearable, often leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Through her research at the University of Cyprus, Ms. Melanthiou will be contributing to the scientific understanding of misophonia’s neurological mechanisms and exploring contemporary approaches to diagnosis and assessment. The article highlights how this condition, though increasingly recognized in clinical and research settings, requires further investigation to develop effective therapeutic interventions. Her work examines the complex interplay between auditory processing, emotional regulation, and neural connectivity that characterizes misophonic responses.

The publication of this article in a major national newspaper represents an important contribution to public awareness and education about misophonia. By bringing scientific research findings to a broader audience, we will be helping to reduce stigma and misconceptions surrounding this often-misunderstood condition. Many individuals with misophonia have historically been dismissed or misdiagnosed, and increased public knowledge can lead to better recognition, understanding, and support for those affected.