Past Issues

Background: Conversion disorder is thought of using physical symptoms to
symbolize unbearable psychological symptoms. The value of drug interview in
treating conversion disorder is at present unknown and few studies exist in reporting
lorazepam interview for psychogenic aphonia. Case report: A 40-year-old female
patient suffered from aphonia suddenly after her husband mistrusted her infi -
delity. She received surgical treatment of pituitary gland tumor one month before
her onset of aphonia. After visiting psychiatric outpatient clinic, she was carefully
examined. She did not show any apparent MRI fi ndings related to aphonia. She
was diagnosed as psychogenic aphonia, and she started to phonate 1-2 syllables
during lorazepam interview with cards of pictures and word messages, and she
could speak several words 5-6 hours later. On the following day she could speak
fl uently. Conclusion: We suggest that lorazepam interview with proper use of
cards with pictures and word messages could be one of treatments for patients with
psychogenic aphonia.