An evaluation study of voice therapy in non-organic dysphonia

Abstract

Thirty patients diagnosed as suffering from non-organic dysphonia were assigned to one of three treatment groups: direct therapy, indirect and no treatment for a period of 8 weeks. Therapeutic outcome was evaluated by independent judges, patient self-evaluation, electrolaryngograph ratings and measures of fundamental frequency. The direct treatment group showed the most significant improvement in the return to normal voice functioning followed by the indirect treatment group. One patient in the control group showed improvement without any intervention. This study provides evidence in support of the effectiveness of both direct and indirect therapy in the treatment of non-organic dysphonia and raises questions concerning individual patient responses to these approaches.