What Is Mirror-Touch Synesthesia?

Synesthesia is a condition in which one sense is activated when a different sense is stimulated. People with synesthesia may “see” colors and shapes when listening to music. Others may associate letters, numbers, or names with colors or tastes. Of the different types of synesthesia, only about two percent of people experience mirror touch synesthesia. Mirror or mirror-touch synesthesia (MTS), sometimes spelled mirror touch synaesthesia, refers to a synesthete’s ability to see another person being touched (i.e., observed touch) and to feel a related tactile sensation on the mirror touch synesthete’s own body (i.e., felt touch). A 2017 study of university students revealed that most participants with mirror-touch synesthesia were unaware that feeling other people’s sensations is unique to synesthetes. Read on to learn more about this rare form of synesthesia. 

Projective synesthesia disorder

Mirror touch synesthesia falls under the umbrella of projective synesthesia disorder (PSD), a condition in which the individual can see certain shapes, forms, or colors when experiencing other sensory stimuli, such as sound or taste. One form of PSD is chromesthesia, in which synesthetes see colors when they hear a certain type of music. Other forms of PSD include grapheme-color synesthesia, which is the ability to see numbers or letters in different colors even if the printed number or letter is in reality a single color. 

While neuroscientists have yet to settle on a definitive explanation for mirror touch synesthesia, the most common theory is built upon research into the mirror neuron system. The human brain has a specialized group of neurons called mirror neurons that help us understand other people’s actions and their intentions as we watch them. Mirror neurons are why we can intuit someone’s emotional mood from watching their facial expression, and how we can learn language through imitating other language-speakers. Our sense of empathy towards other people may also be attributable to mirror neurons, which enable us to sense another person’s emotional or physical state as if it were our own. 

Empathy is often a necessary social skill for humans and other similar animals who need to work together to improve their chances of survival. In general, empathy is a capability we are born with that we can continue to nurture and develop over a lifetime.  

A tactile sense of empathy

Thanks to mirror neurons, most people can watch another person’s facial expressions or movements and unconsciously simulate or empathize with their emotional or physical state. This is due to the tactile mirror system located in the brain’s somatosensory cortex. However, for people with mirror touch synesthesia, it is theorized that hyperactivity in the anterior insula, where mirror neurons are present, causes this unconscious empathy to cross the threshold into conscious sensation. The intensity and perception of synesthesia can vary among people with MTS. Some people may feel a slight tingling or nudge on the same part of the body (such as their own hand) when watching another person, while others can be physically and emotionally overpowered by their phantom sensations. 

It may be important to note that not all neuroscientists agree with this theory. Some believe that MTS may be caused by a different cognitive problem in which the synesthete has trouble distinguishing their self and body from someone else’s body. Still other experts postulate that some forms of synesthesia may be genetic. Color sequence synesthesia, for example, is almost always found in individuals who have relatives with the same condition. One study of families with color sequence synesthesia hypothesized that their shared trait may be caused by a genetic mutation. Most cases of mirror-touch synesthesia are present in childhood, but there are examples of acquired cases in the literature. 

Diagnosing mirror-touch synesthesia

To diagnose mirror-touch synesthesia, there are two criteria that must be met:

• A synesthetic response or the unconscious sensation of feeling what others you observe are feeling.
• Experiencing heightened empathy (i.e., an emotional response) compared to others. 

A mental health professional can diagnose any related conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that may be linked to mirror-touch synesthesia.

Some people with MTS may also feel the somatic manifestations of other people’s emotions, such as feeling “butterflies” in their stomach when watching an anxious or nervous person. 

In most studies that have tested individuals for mirror touch synesthesia, individuals were instructed to watch another person being touched and state whether they had a synesthetic response. One study found evidence that synesthetes were more likely to mirror sensations seen on a human body versus a test dummy, noting that synesthetes with MTS also tend to have higher levels of empathy towards other people. 

Living with mirror-touch synesthesia

Having mirror-touch synesthesia doesn’t mean there's anything wrong with you. Although mirror-touch synesthesia isn’t considered a mental illness, it can still cause discomfort in certain situations. There may be some things you can do to safeguard your mental health if you live with this condition. 

Identifying triggers and setting sensory boundaries

If you’re prone to sensory overload due to mirror-touch synesthesia, it can be important to identify your triggers. Your individual triggers could be different from someone else’s, even if they have the same condition. For example, some people are more sensitive to visual triggers than physical touch and vice versa. Try to reflect on recent experiences where you felt overwhelmed by sensory input, and consider keeping a journal in order to track patterns. 

Coping strategies and support

Once you’ve identified your triggers, you can make a plan to cope with sensory overload or other types of discomfort associated with mirror-touch synesthesia. This plan can be tailored to your specific symptoms, but here are some general guidelines and suggestions: 

• Prioritize sleep. You may be less likely to experience overload or burnout when you get enough rest. 
• Use visualization strategies, such as creating an invisible barrier between yourself and someone else. 
• Try grounding techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. 
• Practice breathing exercises to calm your body and provide a distraction from the overwhelm. 

Support for living with mirror-touch synesthesia (MTS)

If you believe you have mirror-touch synesthesia, it may be natural to have questions about your unique abilities. For some people with MTS, their hypersensitivity may interfere with their sense of emotional autonomy and physical well-being. Whether you are curious to explore MTS further or you need support in coping with its effects, an online therapist may be a helpful resource. A therapist can work with you to design coping strategies for when your symptoms of MTS become overwhelming or disruptive. 

Online therapy for pain and mental health concerns

Research suggests that online therapy can be a useful option for treating mental health concerns as well as making care more attainable. The American Psychological Association reviewed multiple studies that showed online therapy as an effective modality for treating:

• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Other mental health concerns

Because you can attend sessions from anywhere you have an internet connection and a smart device, online therapy can help save you the time and money you might otherwise dedicate to commuting, childcare, and other expenses. If you are concerned about finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about synesthesia and MTS, platforms like BetterHelp can match you to a relevant therapist after you take a brief intake questionnaire.