Childhood sexual abuse in patients with paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction
Article Abstract:
Paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction (PVCD) is the constriction of the vocal cords on inspiration and opening upon expiration, which results in breathing difficulties and wheezing. It is often misdiagnosed as asthma. Misdiagnosed PVCD patients are likely to be treated with bronchodilators (breathing tube relaxants) and other asthma medications including steroids. Since PVCD patients do not respond to bronchodilators, they are often given very high doses of steroids, hospitalized, and receive mechanical ventilation. Several reports have suggested that PVCD is a conversion disorder that occurs in concert with severe psychiatric disturbances resulting from childhood stressors or trauma. Conversion disorder entails a loss of physical functioning, suggesting a physical disorder, but is instead the expression of a psychological conflict or need (e.g., hysterical blindness or hysterical paralysis). To evaluate the relationship between sexual abuse in childhood and PVCD, the psychosocial consultation reports of 47 women who were hospitalized and diagnosed with PVCD were studied for references to childhood sexual abuse. Fourteen patients (36 percent) had suffered sexual abuse in childhood. Another five (13 percent) were suspected of having been sexually abused due to reports of parental alcoholism, neglect, or physical abuse. The case histories of three of these patients are presented. All three had been misdiagnosed with unmanageable asthma, and had undergone repeated hospitalizations and medication side effects. Two of the women actually did have some degree of asthma, as well as PVCD, and all had been diagnosed with psychological problems. It is concluded that several factors might influence the development of PVCD, including oral sexual abuse in childhood, a predisposition to respiratory illness or asthma, or having a family member with asthma. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0022-3018
Year: 1991
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Sexual orientation and family development: introduction
Article Abstract:
The mental health of homosexuals as opposed to heterosexuals has never been sufficiently examined along with what is considered 'normal' behavior. The influence of this sexual orientation on family development is also analyzed since greater numbers of gays and lesbians are creating visible families with children. It is imperative that people's ingrained presumptions about gender and sexual orientation be deconstructed for more expansive research.
Publication Name: American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0002-9432
Year: 1998
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Cocaine abuse and corticogenesis
Article Abstract:
Mouse and monkey models provide additional insight into the negative effects of cocaine on cortical development. Topics discussed include the rabbit model, regulatory effects of monoamines, and neurotransmitter-specific innervation.
Publication Name: Trends in Neurosciences
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0166-2236
Year: 1998
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