Abstract
To investigate psychological factors related to the foreign body sensation of the pharyngolaryngeal region, we perfored the interview on sixteen patients who had been complaining the symptom without any local lesion or systemic disease.
The psychiatrical diagnosis based on the interview were as follows.
various types of neurosis 10 cases
depression 2 cases
cenestpathia 2 cases
schizophrenia 2 cases
In two cases of depression, antidepressants with psychotherapy were administered in otolaryngologic clinic. The results were quite satisfactory.
Two cases of schizophrenia, psychiatrists also confirmed the diagnosis, were treated in psychiatric clinic. It is our impression that treatments by psychiatrist is absolutely necessary for schizophrenic patients.
The foreign body sensation arise from psychiatric disturbances in some patients, thus we otologists should take detailed history, and examine the mental status with the aid of psychiatrist if necessary.
