Should I See a Psychiatrist for My Voice and Mood Issues?

Q: Should I See a Psychiatrist for My Voice and Mood Issues?

Hello： It sounds like you are feeling quite troubled by your recent voice issues, which has led to a noticeable decline in your mood. <br>If you believe that resolving your voice problems will help restore your mood to normal, then your current situation may simply be a case of m

Should I see a psychiatrist?

Since last December, I have been experiencing difficulty in voice production due to excessive speaking at work, along with a sensation of a foreign body in my throat.
After undergoing tests, I was diagnosed with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and have been taking antacids.
My vocal cords are unable to close properly during phonation, and I have also received speech therapy.
There has been some improvement in my voice, but recovery has been slow.
My singing voice, especially in higher pitches, sounds fairly normal, but when I speak normally, in lower tones, or at a distance, my voice becomes strained and I struggle to articulate.
Currently, I am still unable to speak as fluently as a normal person, which has made me less inclined to talk, and I am feeling somewhat depressed.
Could this be a case of autonomic nervous system dysregulation? Should I consult a psychiatrist?

Ms. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/11

Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry

Hello: It sounds like you are feeling quite troubled by your recent voice issues, which has led to a noticeable decline in your mood.
If you believe that resolving your voice problems will help restore your mood to normal, then your current situation may simply be a case of maladaptation (which is less related to the autonomic nervous system).
The focus should be on voice rehabilitation.
However, if there are other issues in your life that are also affecting your mood, regardless of whether they are directly related to your voice problems, I recommend consulting a psychosomatic or psychiatric specialist.
The physician will conduct a thorough examination to clarify all relevant environmental and psychological factors in order to develop a comprehensive and effective recovery plan for you.

Reply Date: 2018/06/11

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex interplay of physical and emotional challenges that are affecting your overall well-being. Given your symptoms, including voice difficulties, feelings of depression, and changes in your communication habits, it is indeed advisable to consult a psychiatrist or a mental health professional. Here’s why:
1. Voice Issues and Emotional Health: Your voice problems, which stem from physical conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and vocal cord dysfunction, can significantly impact your emotional state. The inability to speak comfortably can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and sadness. This emotional distress can exacerbate your physical symptoms, creating a cycle that is difficult to break. A psychiatrist can help you address the emotional aspects of your condition, which may include anxiety or depression related to your voice issues.

2. Psychosomatic Symptoms: It’s important to recognize that physical symptoms can often have psychological roots. The sensation of a foreign body in your throat and the difficulty in speaking may be linked to stress or anxiety. This is known as a psychosomatic response, where emotional distress manifests as physical symptoms. A psychiatrist can help you explore these connections and provide strategies to manage both your physical and emotional symptoms.

3. Self-Perception and Social Interaction: You mentioned that you have become less inclined to speak and that your mood has been affected. This change in behavior can lead to social withdrawal, which can further contribute to feelings of depression. A mental health professional can assist you in developing coping strategies to improve your self-esteem and social interactions, which are crucial for your emotional health.

4. Autonomic Nervous System and Stress: You asked if this could be related to autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Stress and anxiety can indeed affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as muscle tension, which may impact your voice. A psychiatrist can help assess whether your symptoms are related to stress and provide treatment options that may include therapy, medication, or relaxation techniques.

5. Comprehensive Treatment Approach: Given that you are already receiving treatment for your voice issues, a multidisciplinary approach may be beneficial. This could involve collaboration between your speech therapist, a psychiatrist, and possibly a psychologist. Each professional can contribute to your care by addressing different aspects of your health—physical, emotional, and psychological.

6. Seeking Help: It’s crucial to seek help sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more entrenched your symptoms may become. A psychiatrist can provide a thorough assessment and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication for depression or anxiety, and strategies to manage your voice issues.

In conclusion, seeing a psychiatrist is a wise decision given your current situation. They can help you navigate the emotional challenges you are facing while also considering the physical aspects of your voice issues. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and addressing both your mental and physical health is essential for your overall well-being.

Similar Q&A

Do You Really Need to See a Doctor for Mental Health Issues?

For several years, I have experienced feelings of inferiority and occasionally cried. Whenever someone criticizes me, I wonder if I should even exist or if I am not good enough, which can lead to breakdowns and even hitting walls. I also suffer from insomnia, unable to sleep unti...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. Your situation seems to have caused psychological distress and affected your daily life. It is recommended that you make time to consult or seek treatment at a mental health clinic as soon as possible to facilitate early improvement.

Should I See a Psychiatrist for My Recent Emotional Instability?

Doctor, I apologize, but I have never had a history of depression or bipolar disorder. However, recently I have been feeling very emotionally unstable, experiencing tightness in my chest, poor appetite, and negative thoughts such as thoughts of death. I am also having trouble sle...

Dr. Zhou Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Compared to the past, many people are now more aware of their emotional changes and may consider seeking medical help, but there may still be some hesitation regarding "psychiatry," unlike with general internal or external medical conditions. Therefore, for your current...

Do I Really Need to See a Doctor for Mental Health Issues?

Hello, Doctor: I feel that I get anxious quite easily, my social situation is very poor, my emotions are unstable, I have a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder, I was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, I have a fear of vomiting, and I tend to have health anxiety. Since...

Dr. Wang Yazhen reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your description, it is important to consider the tendency towards anxiety. Currently, the most mainstream treatment for anxiety issues is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can be combined with medication if necessary. The available channels for psychologi...

Should I Seek Help from a Psychiatrist for My Mental Health?

Hello Doctor, I am currently a high school sophomore. Since childhood, I have experienced unexplained feelings of anxiety or stress that lead me to bite my nails and constantly pick at my hands. In middle school, I harmed myself several times due to interpersonal and academic pre...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Nicky, since childhood, you have been biting your nails and picking at your skin, which can be harmful to yourself and is often associated with anxiety and depression. It is recommended to first recognize and accept this part of yourself, and then try to learn new and diffe...