The Evaluation of Beck Anxiety Scale, Voice Handicap Index, and Brief Symptom Inventory on Treatment of Patients With Vocal Fold Nodules

Abstract

Vocal fold nodules are benign lesions that cause hoarseness in all age groups including children, adolescents, and adults. These nodules may be caused either by singing or other causes of tension in vocal activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological symptoms of adult patients with hoarseness and to investigate the relationship in psychological symptoms before and after voice therapy. 23 Patients who were admitted with a voice complaint and diagnosed with vocal fold nodules and a matched control group were evaluated. Two inventories recommended by our psychiatrist (The Beck Anxiety Inventory, Brief Symptom Inventory) and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), were completed to evaluate the treatment outcomes and psychosocial properties of the patients before and after voice therapy. A significant difference was observed in the BAI and BSI scores between the nodule (+) group and the control group at the beginning of the study, before voice therapy. A significant difference was found between the mean scores on the BAI and the BSI before and after therapy in the vocal fold nodules group. Patients with vocal fold nodules should be evaluated more extensively using psychological assessment scales, such as the BSI, and a psychiatric consultation should be added in cases of abnormal findings.