THE PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGISTS ROLE IN DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS - VOCAL-CORD DYSFUNCTION PRESENTING AS ASTHMA

Presented the case of an 11-year-old boy with vocal-cord dysfunction ( VCD) as ail example of a rare clinical phenomenon that may result in c linical and systemic challenges for the pediatric psychologist. VCD pr esents as highly similar to asthma, yet is best treated with speech th erapy and psychosocial intervention. The physical symptomatology of VC D and its conceptualization as a psychosomatic disorder are described. Difficulties inherent in integrating psychological factors into medic al case formulation are discussed, and possible pitfalls and strategie s are delineated.