Psychogenic dysphonia

According to the literature, this disorder occurs in 80% of women and typically affects individuals who do not present structural laryngeal or neurological lesions, nor do they usually suffer from major psychological disorders. Furthermore, during laryngoscopic examination, the vocal cords appear in partial or complete adduction during coughing and phonation.

Psychogenic dysphonia is defined as the alteration of the voice or one or more of its acoustic characteristics in relation to a psychological inhibition process. This typically occurs in conjunction with acute or chronic emotional stress, difficulties in life adaptation, the use of vocal symptoms for personal gain, neurosis, or depression. It falls under the category of functional dysphonias (Aronson).

In most cases, the phonatory pattern corresponds to hyperfunction, although hypofunction may occasionally be present. The underlying cause is often an interpersonal conflict or a stressful situation. In general, the vast majority of patients are young women with a background of psychological conflict, often with a history of a catarrhal process or a prior vocal fold lesion. The dysphonia then presents itself spontaneously and irregularly.

The vocal emission may resemble, on one hand, spasmodic dysphonia, and on the other, the early stages of a neurodegenerative disorder.

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Valentina Carlile - Osteopath specializing in Osteopathy for Voice and Speech Disorders since 2002. For information and bookings, visit the Contact page.

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