PSYCHOGENIC STRIDOR

In the past 20 years, several cases have been reported describing an u pper airway obstruction reportedly caused by psychological factors. Th is paper reviews 48 reported cases of ''psychogenic stridor.'' Patient s with psychogenic stridor usually present to primary care physicians with symptoms of asthma or stridor unresponsive to conventional treatm ents. Of the 48 cases reviewed, 52% received a diagnosis of conversion disorder. The obstruction was severe enough to cause intubation and t racheostomies in some patients. In addition, many suffered from the un necessary side effects of corticosteroids. The literature is reviewed and medical and psychiatric differential diagnosis and treatment are d iscussed.