This common psychological disorder affects 1 in 3 people: But what is it and are you at risk?

It might sound strange, but a surprising number of people—nearly one in three—experience intense discomfort just from watching someone fidget. Not hearing them, not being touched—just watching them move restlessly. This isn’t a bad mood or random irritation. It has a name: Misokinesia , or “ hatred of movement.”


This psychological sensitivity is more common than most of us realise. And no, it’s not just about disliking that colleague who can’t stop tapping their pen. Here is everything we need to know about what misokinesia really is, who experiences it, and why it deserves a seat at the mental health table.


What exactly is Misokinesia?

Misokinesia comes from Greek roots: “miso” meaning hate and “kinesis” meaning movement. It refers to a strong negative emotional reaction to seeing small, repetitive movements—like finger-tapping, leg shaking, or nervous fiddling.

This reaction isn’t a pet peeve. It’s a real psychological sensitivity that can trigger anxiety, irritation, stress, or even anger in some people. Just spotting someone fidgeting in a meeting, on a train, or across the dinner table can make staying calm feel impossible.



One in three people may be affected

It’s not just a niche issue. Research across more than 4,000 participants revealed that about one in three people report feeling some level of misokinesia. That’s a huge number—enough to make it one of the most common yet under-recognised sensitivities out there.


Not everyone experiences it the same way. Some feel mild discomfort. Others struggle to focus, feel emotionally overwhelmed, or even leave social situations to escape the visual triggers.


Not the same as Misophonia , but sometimes a sibling

Misokinesia is mentioned in the same breath as misophonia—a condition where certain sounds (like chewing, sniffing, or clicking) cause strong negative emotions. While they can co-exist in the same person, misokinesia is a separate phenomenon.



In fact, studies show many people experience misokinesia without any sound-related issues at all. The brain seems to process these visual and auditory triggers differently, although some overlap in emotional response is still under scientific investigation.



Why it happens is still a mystery

Here’s the twist: science still isn’t entirely sure why misokinesia happens. One theory suggests that it may come from affective reactivity—an intense emotional response to subtle visual cues. So, it’s not about being unable to ignore distractions, but rather the emotions that the movement stirs up.


And while it might be tempting to chalk it up to personality or stress levels, findings show that misokinesia sensitivity isn’t always linked to obvious traits. There’s even some early evidence suggesting age, gender, and other demographic factors might influence how strongly it’s experienced.




Why it matters more than people think

Living with misokinesia can quietly affect daily life. Meetings, movie nights, classrooms, and even friendly gatherings can become challenging when surrounded by people who unknowingly trigger discomfort.


There’s also a social impact. Individuals with high sensitivity may avoid group settings or judge themselves for reacting so strongly to something others seem to ignore. That can fuel isolation or even anxiety.