Psychological considerations in vocal rehabilitation.

The study of the human voice in phoniatric laboratories has added greatly to our knowledge of the physiology and pathology of vocal function. In dealing with voice patients, it must be supplemented by a consideration of all the psychological factors that determine vocal behavior and the relationship between patient and clinician. This discussion deals with the psychological reaction to voice, vocal dynamics, and approaches to therapy.

Spastic dysphonia.

130 cases of spastic dysphonia are reviewed with special emphasis on the etiology of the disorder. An analysis of the circumstances surrounding the onset of the disease points strongly to a psychogenic origin of the disease in, at least, the vast majority of the cases.

The age of the castrato voice.

In our time of rapidly changing life styles it is useful to understand that voices also mirror the spirit of an era. The study of the history of vocal styles may give valuable clues to a better understanding of contemporary phenomena. The age of the castrato voice is a remarkable episode.