Syndrome differentiation and treatment
The commonly-seen syndromes of hysterial aphonia include two types: qi stagnation due to depression of the liver and loss of nourishment of cardiac vitality. The syndrome of qi stagnation due to depression of the liver is characterized by a history of emotional changes before the onset. Treatment should be soothing the liver to remove depression. The syndrome of loss of nourishment of cardiac vitality is marked by occasional grief and frequent insomnia. Treatment should be invigorating qi and nourishing the heart.

1. Syndrome of qi stagnation due to depression of the liver
Main symptoms and signs: Aphonia is sudden, but the crying and laughing voices are normal. The patient has a history of emotional changes and is susceptible to
restlessness of the mind and irascibility at usual times. The chest and the hypochondrium are distending and full. Eructation is frequent. The fur is white and thin. The pulse is taut.
Therapeutic methods: Soothing the liver to regulate qi, removing depression and promoting phonation.

2. Syndrome of loss of nourishment of cardiac vitality
Main symptoms and signs: Sudden aphonia, grief with the inclination to cry, normal pronunciation during crying and laughing, mere whispering during speaking,
vexation, insomnia, poor appetite, lustreless complexion, reddish tongue with whitish thin fur, thready and weak pulse.
Therapeutic methods: Invigorating qi and nourishing the heart, tranquilizing the mind and promoting phonation.