Swallowing is a complex process.
It involves coordination from about 50 different nerves and muscles in the mouth, throat, andesophagus.
People with psychological issues or mental illness are prone to dysphagia, though the reasons aren’t completely understood.
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
This article discusses mental health disorders associated with dysphagia, causes of functional dysphagia, and treatments.
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
What Is Functional Dysphagia?
Some people report anxiety makes them feel as if they are being choked.
This can make swallowing difficult.
Among people with SSD who have dysphagia, functional dysphagia is the most common.
It’s also called medically unexplained oropharyngeal dysphagia, or MUNOD.
People with MUNOD feel like food is stuck in their throats.
Experts have also noted a strong link betweenanxietyand the severity of dysphagia symptoms.
Anxiety can cause “esophageal hypervigilance,” an intense, exaggerated focus on swallowing.
It occurs more often in people who have been treated for a medical condition involving the esophagus.
Or, they are hyperactive and eat their food too quickly.
Dysphagia and Psychiatric Medication
Dysphagia may also occur as a side effect of medication.
Treatment
Treatment for dysphagia depends on the cause.
Dysphagia can have many different causes.
Psychiatric reasons for dysphagia include anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, somatic symptom disorder, and more.
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