Retrospective study of 116 patients with non-organic voice disorders: efficacy of mental imagery and laryngeal shaking.

OBJECTIVE

To report the short- and long-term results of two techniques (mental imagery and manual shaking of the larynx) in patients with non-organic dysphonia or aphonia.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of patient records, plus follow-up survey (questionnaire).

SETTING

Academic teaching hospital.

PATIENTS: One hundred and sixteen patients with moderate to severe non-organic dysphonia or aphonia.

OUTCOME: Cure (i.e. normal voice) and improved voice quality, judged by clinicians and patients.

RESULTS

One hundred (86 per cent) of the 116 patients were cured. Ninety-four (81 per cent) patients regained their normal voice within one therapy session. The follow-up survey revealed that 43 of the 87 (49 per cent) patients who responded had not had a relapse since therapy ended. Of those patients suffering relapse, 15 successfully applied mental imagery in order to retrieve their voice, compared with three patients who applied shaking of the larynx.

CONCLUSION

Mental imagery, combined if necessary with manual therapy, is an effective therapeutic technique in patients with non-organic voice disorders.