title: Psychogenic stridor.
abstract: In the past 20 years, several cases have been reported describing an upper airway obstruction reportedly caused by psychological factors. This paper reviews 48 reported cases of "psychogenic stridor." Patients with psychogenic stridor usually present to primary care physicians with symptoms of asthma or stridor unresponsive to conventional treatments. Of the 48 cases reviewed, 52% received a diagnosis of conversion disorder. The obstruction was severe enough to cause intubation and tracheostomies in some patients. In addition, many suffered from the unnecessary side effects of corticosteroids. The literature is reviewed and medical and psychiatric differential diagnosis and treatment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Lacy
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: McManis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010551:Personality; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013070:Speech Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines