<P> Puberphonia is characterized by the failure to transition into the lower pitched voice of adulthood . In conjunction with an atypically high pitch, common symptoms include a weak, breathy, or hoarse voice, as well as a low vocal intensity, pitch breaks, and shallow breathing . </P> <P> There are a number of proposed causes for the development of puberphonia . The aetiology of puberphonia can be both organic (biological) or psychogenic (psychological) in nature . In males, however, organic causes are rare and psychogenic causes are more common . </P> <P> Psychogenic causes of puberphonia include: </P> <Ul> <Li> Emotional stress </Li> <Li> Delayed development of secondary sex characteristics </Li> <Li> Resistance to pubertal changes </Li> <Li> Self - consciousness resulting from an early breaking of the voice </Li> <Li> Self - consciousness resulting from emerging adulthood </Li> <Li> Excessive admiration of another male or sibling </Li> <Li> Excessive maternal protection </Li> </Ul>

What causes a man's voice to be high pitched