Adductor spasmodic dysphonia and botulinum toxin treatment: the effect on well-being.

Abstract

Adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD) is a controversial and enigmatic voice disorder. It is generally accepted that it has a neurologic, although undetermined, cause, and it is accompanied by much psychological and physical distress. In this prospective study, standardized psychometric tests were used to assess the personality characteristics and psychological and somatic well-being of 46 patients with AdSD. Moreover, the effect of botulinum toxin (Botox) treatment on their well-being was evaluated. No significant differences could be detected between patients and a representative norm group concerning 7 personality characteristics. Nevertheless, before treatment, there were significantly more psychological and somatic complaints. After establishment of a normal to near-normal voice with Botox injections, these complaints were reduced to normal levels--a finding suggesting these phenomena to be secondary to the voice disorder. These findings, and the normal personality characteristics, do not support a psychogenic cause of AdSD.

• Authors: T P Langeveld, F Luteijn, M van Rossum, H A Drost, R J Baatenburg de Jong
• Journal: The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology (Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol) Vol. 110 Issue 10 Pg. 941-5 (Oct 2001) ISSN: 0003-4894 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11642427 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Botulinum Toxins

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Botulinum Toxins (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Voice Disorders (drug therapy, psychology)