What is one possible cause of a functional voice disorder?

A functional voice disorder is primarily related to how the voice is produced rather than any physical or structural abnormalities. One possible cause of a functional voice disorder is excessive muscle tension of the vocal folds. When the muscles surrounding the vocal cords become overly tense, it can lead to strained or hoarse vocal quality. This tension often arises from misusing the voice, stress, or poor vocal technique, resulting in improper vibration of the vocal folds.

This condition alters the normal functioning of the larynx without any underlying disease or structural issues, making it truly functional in nature. Addressing this excessive muscle tension can often improve voice quality and alleviate the symptoms associated with functional voice disorders.