title: Etiology and treatment of psychogenic voice disorder: results of a follow-up study of thirty patients.
abstract: It is generally accepted that psychogenic voice disorder (PVD) is a result of psychosocial stress; however, systematic studies of etiological factors in this condition are few. Furthermore, although immediate effects of therapy are estimated to be good, relapses are frequent, and the long-term effects of therapy are not known. The present prospective and longitudinal study on 30 patients was thus focused on possible etiological factors, the course of therapy, and the long-term results of therapy for PVD. The results indicate that interpersonal conflicts related to family and work are of basic importance in precipitating this condition. PVD is interpreted as a specific disorder of verbal emotional expression. Our therapy model in which vocal exercises are performed, together with training of communicative skills, seems rewarding. Relapses were not reported in 88% of the patients during the followup period of 1.9-8.4 years after therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Logopedics and Phoniatrics, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schalén
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D014834:Voice Training