Habit cough in children. Specific symptoms and psychotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Cough is an important defence reflex. Dry, non-productive cough continuing for at least 4–6 weeks may pose a diagnostic and therapeutic issue. Psychogenic cough is described as somatoform autonomic dysfunction and is diagnosed by excluding physical causes. Aim: To determine the aetiology and triggering mechanisms of habit cough and evaluate the treatment effects obtained with different types of psychotherapy. Material and methods: The study involved 30 children. Having excluded somatic disease foundation, psychological assessment was performed. Short-term psychotherapy and Ericksonian therapy were implemented. Results: The studied children suffered from sibling rivalry disorder, separation anxiety disorder of childhood, school anxiety, parental conflicts, communication failure, internal emotional conflicts, and lack of ability to cope with emotions and stress. Conclusions: Parents of psychologically troubled children presenting habit cough and other forms of somatoform autonomic dysfunction play an enormous role in the treatment process and should be active during psychotherapy.