The Relationship Between Vocal Tract Discomfort Symptoms Reporting With Personality Traits and Psychological Distress

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale-Persian (VTDS-P) and personality traits, as well as psychological distress, and to identify VTDS-P score thresholds corresponding to different personality traits and levels of psychological distress.

A sample consisting of 55 voice-disordered (mean age: 42.84 ± 12.02 years) patients and 64 normophonic controls (mean age = 37.06 ± 11.05 years) was considered. The participants completed (a) the VTDS-P, (b) the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and (c) the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21).

Significant medium to large correlations existed between anxiety state and the frequency, severity, and total score of VTDS-P (r = 0.185 to 0.513, P < 0.05). The cut-off scores to distinguish the voice-disordered patients and normophonic controls for the frequency, severity, and total score of VTDS-P were established at 9.50, 7.50, and 19.50, respectively. Total VTDS-P scores of 20, 44, and 57 were found to correspond to mild, moderate, and severe anxiety state levels of DASS-21, respectively.

As VTDS-P scores increased beyond the cut-off, there was a pattern of anxiety state increasing, ranging from moderate to severe. Given the bidirectional relationship between vocal tract discomfort and anxiety state levels, it is essential that anxiety state in voice-disordered patients be screened and referred to mental health specialists if necessary. Conversely, individuals with an anxiety state seeking help in mental health clinics should also be screened for potential vocal tract discomfort and referred to a voice team for further assessment if necessary.