What Causes Involuntary Humming Leading To Anxiety?

Posted on Mon, 18 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 Answered on

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been humming softly for about two years now. It seems to get worse. Now when I hum a lot it gets faster and I get anxious. I'm 74 years old

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Tell me a little bit more about this humming. Does it happen even when you're not trying to hum, or only when you try to hum? Are you or were you ever a smoker? Have you visited a doctor for a physical exam for this issue? Once I know a bit more about the humming, then we can also discuss the anxiety component.

Dr. Sheppe

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (16 hours later)

I hum even when I try very hard not to. I was a smoker, I quit 24 years ago. I have not seen a dr about this. What kind of dr should I see

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.

There are a couple of things this could be. It could be neurologic, and this is the path I would investigate first. This could be spasmodic dysphonia, or related to pathology in the throat, pharynx, or vocal cords. I would see a neurologist or an ENT (ear nose and throat) doctor to conduct a physical examination or possible laryngoscopic visualization of your throat to rule out anything physically wrong.

This could also be a psychiatric tic disorder. This can be helped with medication such as an antidepressant or neuroleptic as well as psychotherapy. But first you need to rule out a physical cause.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T