Related Experiment Videos
Psychological processes in psychogenic voice disorder
1Acute Psychology Services, Royal London Hospital, UK.
Summary
Psychogenic voice disorder often affects women experiencing stress and interpersonal conflicts, not severe psychopathology. A reformulated psychoanalytic approach, emphasizing psychosocial factors and cognitive-behavioral strategies, is recommended for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Psychogenic voice disorder (PVD) is often analyzed through Freud's hysterical conversion model.
- Previous interpretations focused heavily on severe psychopathology and unconscious conflicts.
- This review examines current research on the psychological characteristics of individuals with PVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review psychological features associated with psychogenic voice disorder.
- To evaluate the relevance of psychoanalytic interpretations, particularly Freud's model.
- To propose a reformulated psychoanalytic approach and its relation to cognitive-behavioral models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research findings on psychogenic voice disorder.
- Analysis of psychological characteristics based on Freud's hysterical conversion model.
- Comparison of psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral conceptual models for PVD.
Main Results:
- Individuals with PVD are typically women experiencing high stress (interpersonal conflicts, low self-esteem, powerlessness) and musculoskeletal tension.
- Severe psychopathology is not a common feature of PVD.
- Difficulties in expressing feelings or views are prevalent.
Conclusions:
- A reformulated psychoanalytic model, emphasizing psychosocial factors and intrapsychic conflict, is more relevant for PVD.
- Cognitive-behavioral strategies (stress management, assertiveness training) are highly relevant for PVD treatment.
- A combined psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral approach may offer comprehensive care for PVD.