Psychogenic Aphonia?

[abilicious]

Hi, ABs. Two years ago, following an extremely unpleasant episode at work, my voice disappeared. Having had all the tests under the sun, I was told I had a functional voice disorder. My voice comes and goes, fairly randomly, and I have had to adjust my way of life to accommodate this. Is this psychogenic aphonia, and, if so, am I mentally ill? I feel well and have a fantastic, responsible job which I love.

[woofgang]

Not mentally ill but, I would suggest, traumatised by the unpleasant episode.
some useful suggestions here.
http://www.atempovoicecenter.com/blog/2014/10/18/making-functional-aphonia-treatment-functional
have you ever had treatment by a speech and language therapist who deals with post traumatic stress?

[Sqad]

\\Is this psychogenic aphonia, and, if so, am I mentally ill?\\

The commonest form of functional aphonia is a situation of loss of voice, which gradually improves over time, it is unusual, but possible for it to come on intermittently.

Mental illness?.....I suppose it may well be described as such.

It is important that during the periods of aphonia, not to whisper, but to try ans speak normally as whispering prolongs the aphonia.

Therapists?.........I have little experience or confidence in such therapy, especially as by the time you get an appointment, your voice will be back to normal.............worth a try .........I suppose.

[woofgang]

Sqad, the OP says its been going on for two years....I know the NHS is bad but I doubt the wait will be that long.

[Sqad]

woofy.......but not CONTINUALLY for 2 years...the attacks are intermittent...they come and go. By the time she gets her appt, the attacks would have gone.......

[woofgang]

Indeed but a decent therapist could give management advice for when the aphonia strikes :).....but maybe the OP has already done this.

[Sqad]

LOL...quite.