Spasmodic Dysphonia Report

Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological voice disorder that causes the laryngeal muscles to spasm uncontrollably during phonation (Baylor, Yorkston, & Eadie, 2005). Revelo, Underbrink, & Quinn state that this disorder impacts 1 in 10,000 individuals in the United States (as cited in Mathew, 2014). The cause of this voice disorder is unknown at this time, and it affects more women than men (Baylor et al., 2005). Spasmodic dysphonia causes the voice to sound unnatural and either breathy or strained, and it greatly affects the everyday lives of individuals living with the disorder (Mathew, 2014).
The types of spasmodic dysphonia are adductor spasmodic dysphonia, abductor spasmodic dysphonia and mixed spasmodic dysphonia. Adductor spasmodic dysphonia,
Those with the disorder are unable to increase the intensity of their voice, which makes it difficult to speak on the telephone and in background noise (Baylor et al., 2005). Individuals often report feeling tired and out of breath due to the extensive amount of energy it requires to speak (Baylor et al., 2005). These factors not only influence the daily life of an individual suffering from spasmodic dysphonia, but they also greatly affect their quality of life. Many individuals avoid social interactions because people treat them differently based on their voice quality (Baylor et al., 2005). Since those affected have a voice quality similar to someone who is sick, they are often treated as if they have an illness that can be spread (Baylor et al., 2005). This leads to lack of participation when they attend gatherings that require interaction with others (Baylor et al., 2005). Many individuals report that their self-image decreased after acquiring the disorder due to the way they are treated (Baylor et al., 2005). The negative treatment from others, reduced ability to communicate, and negative self-image often results in feelings of inadequacy and isolation (Baylor et al.,