The psychosocial consequences of BOTOX injections for spasmodic dysphonia: a qualitative study of patients' experiences.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to examine the psychosocial consequences of BOTOX (Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA) treatment for spasmodic dysphonia (SD). This article also explores how patients judge the success of treatment and make decisions about future treatment based on psychosocial issues relevant to them.


METHODS
This study follows the phenomenological tradition of qualitative inquiry in which the objective is to explore the lived experiences of a group of persons who share a common phenomenon, in this case receiving BOTOX injections for SD.


METHODS
Six adults with SD who had been receiving BOTOX injections on a long-term basis participated in face-to-face interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to phenomenological guidelines to identify consistent themes as well as differences among participants' experiences.


RESULTS
The results are summarized in three primary themes that suggest (1) participants' experiences vary over time based on changes in factors such as lifestyle and personal priorities; (2) BOTOX has multidimensional psychosocial implications in physical, personal, and social domains; and (3) participants individualize their treatment regimens, taking into consideration the burden of treatment, scheduling priorities, and other strategies to maximize the benefits of BOTOX.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this study, suggestions are provided for future research into a psychosocial outcome measurement, including longitudinal evaluations that accommodate changing patient priorities over time; multidimensional evaluations that incorporate physical, personal, and social issues; evaluations that include a measure of the burden of treatment; and evaluations that support a shared decision-making model with the voice clinicians.
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. cbaylor@u.washington.edu
Carolyn R
CR
Baylor
Kathryn M
KM
Yorkston
Tanya L
TL
Eadie
Nicole C
NC
Maronian
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011584:Psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014833:Voice Quality
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A