Psychogenic Voice and Speech Quality Disorders in Phoniatric and Logopedic Aspect

Abstract

Psychogenic dysphonia (phononeurosis) is considered as functional voice disorder caused by psychogenic factors without structural (organic) changes in the larynx. The aim of this study is to analyze phonation process in patients with psychogenic dysphonia in clinical, logopedic, diagnosic and therapeutic aspect, based on the available literature of the subject. Diagnostic and therapeutic approach requires the cooperation of an interdisciplinary team consisted of a laryngologist, phoniatrist, speech therapist, psychologist and psychiatrist. In psychogenic dysphonia lack of coordination of breathing, phonation, articulation and changes in the field of prosodic elements of speech are observed. Rehabilitation in psychogenic dysphonia includes voice and speech therapy, psychotherapy and supportive pharmacological treatment conducted simultaneously. The best effect of therapeutic treatment can be achieved only as a result of connection of voice and speech therapy and psychotherapy. In this therapy, except the improvement of phonation, voice quality and its control, it is necessary to know the emotional and psychological background of disorder.