Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Conditions
Keywords
paradoxical vocal fold motion, cognitive-behavioral therapy
Brief summary
Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) is characterized by involuntary closure of the vocal cords while inhaling. Children and adolescents with VCD may experience multiple symptoms, including difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, neck tightness, and voice changes. There is limited information on optimal management of VCD. In our proposed study, we will use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to change how patients respond to their VCD symptoms. Measurements of airflow during breathing as well as symptom frequency and intensity will be examined prior to and following a series of four therapy sessions with a clinical psychologist that are focused on teaching patients strategies to decrease symptom reactivity.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALFour therapy sessions with a psychologist utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques
At the four therapy sessions, subjects will work with the psychologist to identify the triggers of their VCD episodes, learn to self-monitor symptoms and reactions, and be taught breathing retraining/relaxation techniques. The goal is to decrease patterns of subjects' thinking or behaviors that exacerbate distress from VCD symptoms.
BEHAVIORALCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Four-session cognitive behavioral therapy program designed to reduce symptom reactivity and improve management of vocal cord dysfunction symptoms through psychoeducation, breathing retraining, cognitive restructuring, homework exercises, and caregiver involvement.
Sponsors
CAMC Health System
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
13 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adolescent patients presenting to West Virginia University, Charleston Division Sub-specialty Clinic for Pediatric Pulmonology with a clinical diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction. * Diagnosed with VCD within 12 months prior to study enrollment. between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. * Currently symptomatic for VCD. * Must have a baseline PFT to reference at the time of diagnosis. Additionally in patients who were diagnosed with VCD 6 months or more prior to study enrollment, current PFT results as part of routine care, are required. * A parent or guardian must agree to participate in the four behavioral therapy sessions with his or her child.
Exclusion criteria
* Severe psychiatric disorders (ex. psychosis, suicidal ideation) * Developmental delay * Previous speech therapy for the treatment of VCD. * Currently receiving psychological counseling. * In open Child Protective Services cases.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in frequency and intensity of VCD symptoms | Post intervention at 1 to 3 weeks | Self-reported number of symptomatic episodes and mean intensity of episodes pre and post-CBT intervention will be compared. Symptom intensity will be measured using an 11 point Likert Scale for self-reported distress for each recorded VCD episode. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Change in pulmonary function testing (PFT) measures | Post intervention at 1 to 3 weeks |
Countries
United States
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORKevin Maupin, MD
WVU Charleston Division
Outcome results
None listed