Improvement of paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction with integrated psychiatric care.
BACKGROUND
Paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction is associated with a high rate of psychiatric comorbidities, including mood, anxiety, somatoform, and personality disorders, and psychosocial distress.


OBJECTIVE
The authors draw attention to this disorder because delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are common and can contribute to excessive morbidity.


METHODS
The authors present a case of paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction.


RESULTS
The condition improved dramatically with integrated psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Integrated medication management and psychotherapy by a single psychiatrist-provider with relevant medical understanding can achieve a better alliance between patient and physician and, thus, improved outcomes.
Thurston
Nicole L
NL
Dept. of Psychiatry, Univ. of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA. drnicolethurston@gmail.com
Fiedorowicz
Jess G
JG
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003469:Culture; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055809:Illness Behavior; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D012934:Social Isolation; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride