Musicians' Maladies

To the Editor: Lockwood's article, “Medical Problems of Musicians” (Jan. 26 issue), is a timely and sensitive review of the “unique medical problems encountered in high-level performers.” ¹ For too long, the rigorous demands placed on musical performers have been ignored or misunderstood by the professionals who treat them. As a psychologist and a former performing pianist who treats musicians debilitated by stage fright, I wish to take exception to Dr. Lockwood's claim that “somatic complaints of purely psychic origin are very unusual.” Patients with symptoms of performance anxiety may also have physical discomfort, injury, or both, often related to.