In which type of voice disorder does emotional or psychological distress primarily contribute to the condition?

A voice disorder that is primarily influenced by emotional or psychological distress is classified as psychogenic. In these cases, the individual may experience symptoms such as hoarseness or loss of voice not due to any physical abnormalities or damage, but rather from underlying psychological issues. This can include stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional factors that manifest in the voice.

Psychogenic voice disorders can often be complex, requiring an understanding of both the psychological and physiological aspects of voice production. Treatment usually involves a combination of voice therapy and psychological support to address the emotional factors contributing to the voice disorder.

In contrast, neurological disorders arise from changes or damage to the nervous system, often affecting motor control of the vocal cords. Functional disorders involve improper use of the voice without an identifiable physical cause, while structural disorders are due to changes in the laryngeal anatomy, such as nodules or polyps on the vocal cords. Each of these types involves different underlying mechanisms, making psychogenic disorders distinct in their primary association with emotional distress.