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Stuttering anxiety. Stuttering and Anxiety: Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Speech Fluency and Emotional Factors

How does stuttering relate to anxiety, temperament, and personality. What are the temporal relationships between stuttering and emotional factors. Can reducing social anxiety improve speech fluency in adults who stutter. What role does social cognition play in situational variability of stuttering.

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The Interplay Between Stuttering and Emotional Factors

Stuttering is a complex speech disorder that has long been associated with anxiety and emotional reactions. Many theories propose that individuals who stutter may have an emotionally sensitive temperament. However, recent research has begun to challenge some of these assumptions and provide new insights into the relationship between stuttering, anxiety, temperament, and personality.

This comprehensive review analyzes the current evidence on these connections, with a particular focus on temporal relationships – in other words, determining what comes first in the development of stuttering and associated emotional factors. The findings shed new light on our understanding of stuttering and have important implications for treatment approaches.

Temperament in Preschool Children Who Stutter

One of the key findings from this review is that preschool children who stutter do not appear to exhibit higher levels of shyness or social anxiety compared to their fluent peers. This challenges the notion that an anxious temperament predisposes young children to stuttering.

Do preschool children who stutter show elevated traits of shyness or social anxiety? The evidence consistently indicates they do not. Multiple studies have found no significant differences in these temperamental traits between young children who stutter and those who do not.

However, the review did uncover some interesting temperamental differences in a subgroup of children who stutter:

  • Traits associated with inattention were more common
  • Hyperactivity and impulsivity were reported at higher rates

These findings suggest that while anxiety may not play a major role in early stuttering development, other temperamental factors could be influential for some children.

The Development of Social Anxiety in Stuttering

While young children who stutter may not start out with higher anxiety levels, the review found that speech-related social anxiety often develops as stuttering persists:

  • Social anxiety related to speaking situations frequently emerges before adulthood in many cases of stuttering
  • This anxiety appears to develop as a result of negative experiences with stuttering, rather than being a causal factor

When does speech-related social anxiety typically develop in people who stutter? The evidence suggests it often emerges during late childhood or adolescence, as individuals become more aware of their stuttering and its social impact.

Impact of Anxiety Reduction on Fluency

An important question is whether reducing anxiety levels can lead to improvements in speech fluency. The review examined this issue in adults who stutter:

Does reducing social anxiety in adults who stutter result in significant improvement in speech fluency? Surprisingly, the evidence suggests it does not. While anxiety reduction may have other benefits, it does not appear to directly impact the core motor symptoms of stuttering in adults.

This finding has important clinical implications, suggesting that anxiety and the motor aspects of stuttering may need to be addressed separately in treatment approaches for adults.

Stuttering Severity and Temperamental Traits

Another area of interest is whether the severity of stuttering symptoms is related to specific personality or temperamental traits. The review’s analysis of existing studies revealed:

  • No clear relationship between stuttering severity and temperamental traits
  • The motor symptoms of stuttering appear to be independent of personality factors

This lack of correlation suggests that the underlying mechanisms of stuttering may be distinct from temperamental or personality characteristics.

Social Cognition and Situational Variability in Stuttering

One of the hallmarks of stuttering is its variability across different speaking situations. The review proposes a novel explanation for this phenomenon:

What causes the situational variability of stuttering, particularly in socially complex situations? The author suggests that this variability is primarily due to interference from social cognition processes, rather than directly from the emotions of social anxiety.

This hypothesis posits that the cognitive demands of navigating social interactions may interfere with speech production, leading to increased stuttering in complex social situations. This perspective shifts the focus from purely emotional factors to the role of cognitive processing in stuttering variability.

Implications for Stuttering Theories and Treatment

The findings of this review have significant implications for our understanding of stuttering and approaches to treatment:

  • Early intervention may need to focus more on speech symptoms rather than emotional factors
  • Treatments for adults should address both fluency and anxiety, but recognize their potential independence
  • Cognitive factors, particularly in social situations, may be an important target for intervention

How might these findings impact stuttering treatment approaches? Clinicians may need to tailor their interventions based on the age of the individual and the specific factors contributing to their stuttering, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach focused on anxiety reduction.

Future Research Directions

While this review provides valuable insights, it also highlights areas where further research is needed:

  1. Longitudinal studies tracking the development of stuttering and anxiety from early childhood through adulthood
  2. Investigation of the role of inattention and hyperactivity in stuttering development
  3. Exploration of cognitive interventions targeting social cognition processes in stuttering treatment
  4. Neuroimaging studies to better understand the relationship between stuttering, anxiety, and cognitive processing

What are the most pressing questions for future stuttering research? Studies that can further elucidate the causal relationships between stuttering, emotional factors, and cognitive processes will be crucial in advancing our understanding and improving treatment outcomes.

The Complexity of Stuttering: Beyond Simple Explanations

This comprehensive review underscores the complex nature of stuttering and its relationship to emotional and cognitive factors. Key takeaways include:

  • Preschool children who stutter do not appear to have inherently anxious temperaments
  • Social anxiety often develops as a consequence of stuttering, rather than a cause
  • Reducing anxiety alone does not necessarily improve fluency in adults who stutter
  • Stuttering severity is not clearly linked to specific temperamental traits
  • Social cognition may play a crucial role in the situational variability of stuttering

These findings challenge some long-held assumptions about stuttering and highlight the need for nuanced, evidence-based approaches to understanding and treating this complex disorder.

Rethinking Causal Relationships

One of the most significant contributions of this review is its focus on temporal relationships and causality. By examining what comes first in the development of stuttering and associated factors, we can better understand the true nature of these connections.

How does this focus on causality change our understanding of stuttering? It shifts our perspective from viewing anxiety and emotional sensitivity as potential causes of stuttering to recognizing them as potential consequences that develop over time. This reframing has important implications for early intervention and prevention strategies.

The Role of Cognitive Factors

While much attention has been paid to the emotional aspects of stuttering, this review highlights the potential importance of cognitive factors, particularly in relation to social situations. The proposed role of social cognition in stuttering variability opens up new avenues for research and treatment.

What cognitive processes might be involved in the situational variability of stuttering? Some possibilities include:

  • Attention allocation in social interactions
  • Processing of social cues and expectations
  • Mental load from managing social impressions
  • Interference between language planning and social cognition

Further investigation of these cognitive factors could lead to innovative treatment approaches that target the underlying processes contributing to stuttering variability.

Individualizing Stuttering Treatment Approaches

The findings of this review emphasize the need for individualized approaches to stuttering treatment that consider the unique factors contributing to each person’s experience of stuttering.

How can clinicians tailor stuttering interventions based on these findings? Some considerations include:

  • Assessing the presence and impact of social anxiety
  • Evaluating cognitive factors, particularly in social situations
  • Considering the potential role of attention and hyperactivity traits
  • Addressing both speech fluency and emotional well-being, while recognizing their potential independence

By taking a more holistic and individualized approach, clinicians may be able to develop more effective treatment plans that address the multifaceted nature of stuttering.

The Importance of Early Intervention

While the review found that preschool children who stutter do not typically show elevated anxiety or shyness, it did identify potential temperamental differences related to attention and hyperactivity. This suggests that early intervention approaches may need to be refined.

What should be the focus of early stuttering interventions? Based on these findings, clinicians might consider:

  • Primarily targeting speech fluency techniques
  • Assessing and addressing attention-related issues if present
  • Providing education and support to parents to prevent the development of speech-related anxiety
  • Monitoring for signs of emerging social anxiety as children grow older

By intervening early and comprehensively, it may be possible to reduce the risk of persistent stuttering and minimize the development of associated emotional challenges.

Stuttering Across the Lifespan: A Developmental Perspective

This review highlights the importance of considering stuttering from a developmental perspective, recognizing that the relationship between stuttering and emotional factors may change over time.

How does the interplay between stuttering and emotional factors evolve across the lifespan? The evidence suggests a pattern:

  1. Early childhood: Stuttering emerges, typically without associated anxiety or shyness
  2. Late childhood/adolescence: Speech-related social anxiety may begin to develop
  3. Adulthood: Stuttering and social anxiety may coexist, but operate somewhat independently

Understanding this developmental trajectory can inform more targeted interventions at different life stages and help individuals who stutter, their families, and clinicians better prepare for potential challenges.

The Need for Longitudinal Research

While this review provides valuable insights, it also underscores the need for more longitudinal research to fully understand the complex relationships between stuttering, anxiety, temperament, and personality over time.

What questions could longitudinal studies help answer? Some key areas of investigation might include:

  • The factors that contribute to the persistence of stuttering in some individuals but not others
  • The developmental pathways that lead to the emergence of speech-related social anxiety
  • The long-term impacts of early intervention on both stuttering symptoms and emotional well-being
  • The potential protective factors that may prevent the development of anxiety in some people who stutter

By following individuals who stutter from early childhood through adulthood, researchers could gain unprecedented insights into the complex interplay of factors that shape the course of this disorder.

Integrating Findings into Clinical Practice

The insights from this review have the potential to significantly impact clinical practice in the field of stuttering treatment. By challenging some long-held assumptions and providing new perspectives on the relationship between stuttering and emotional factors, clinicians can refine their approaches to assessment and intervention.

How can these findings be translated into more effective clinical practices? Some potential applications include:

  • Developing more comprehensive assessment protocols that evaluate not only speech fluency but also temperamental traits, cognitive factors, and social anxiety
  • Creating targeted interventions that address the specific factors contributing to each individual’s stuttering experience
  • Implementing preventive strategies to reduce the risk of social anxiety development in children and adolescents who stutter
  • Exploring cognitive-based treatments that target social cognition processes in addition to traditional fluency-shaping techniques
  • Educating clients and their families about the complex nature of stuttering to promote better understanding and reduce stigma

By integrating these research findings into clinical practice, speech-language pathologists and other professionals working with individuals who stutter can provide more informed, evidence-based care.

The Role of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Given the multifaceted nature of stuttering revealed by this review, interdisciplinary collaboration becomes increasingly important in both research and treatment contexts.

Which disciplines might contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of stuttering? Potential collaborators could include:

  • Speech-language pathologists
  • Psychologists specializing in anxiety disorders
  • Cognitive neuroscientists
  • Developmental psychologists
  • Social psychologists
  • Geneticists

By bringing together experts from various fields, we can develop a more holistic understanding of stuttering and create innovative, multidimensional treatment approaches that address all aspects of this complex disorder.

Stuttering in relation to anxiety, temperament, and personality: review and analysis with focus on causality

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Review

. 2014 Jun;40:5-21.

doi: 10.1016/j.jfludis.2014.01.004.

Epub 2014 Feb 8.

Per A Alm 
1

Affiliations

Affiliation

  • 1 Department of Neuroscience, Speech and Language Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • PMID:

    24929463

  • DOI:

    10.1016/j.jfludis.2014.01.004

Review

Per A Alm.

J Fluency Disord.

2014 Jun.

. 2014 Jun;40:5-21.

doi: 10. 1016/j.jfludis.2014.01.004.

Epub 2014 Feb 8.

Author

Per A Alm 
1

Affiliation

  • 1 Department of Neuroscience, Speech and Language Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • PMID:

    24929463

  • DOI:

    10.1016/j.jfludis.2014.01.004

Abstract

Anxiety and emotional reactions have a central role in many theories of stuttering, for example that persons who stutter would tend to have an emotionally sensitive temperament. The possible relation between stuttering and certain traits of temperament or personality were reviewed and analyzed, with focus on temporal relations (i.e., what comes first). It was consistently found that preschool children who stutter (as a group) do not show any tendencies toward elevated temperamental traits of shyness or social anxiety compared with children who do not stutter. Significant group differences were, however, repeatedly reported for traits associated with inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, which is likely to reflect a subgroup of children who stutter. Available data is not consistent with the proposal that the risk for persistent stuttering is increased by an emotionally reactive temperament in children who stutter. Speech-related social anxiety develops in many cases of stuttering, before adulthood. Reduction of social anxiety in adults who stutter does not in itself appear to result in significant improvement of speech fluency. Studies have not revealed any relation between the severity of the motor symptoms of stuttering and temperamental traits. It is proposed that situational variability of stuttering, related to social complexity, is an effect of interference from social cognition and not directly from the emotions of social anxiety. In summary, the studies in this review provide strong evidence that persons who stutter are not characterized by constitutional traits of anxiety or similar constructs.


Educational objectives:

This paper provides a review and analysis of studies of anxiety, temperament, and personality, organized with the objective to clarify cause and effect relations. Readers will be able to (a) understand the importance of effect size and distribution of data for interpretation of group differences; (b) understand the role of temporal relations for interpretation of cause and effect; (c) discuss the results of studies of anxiety, temperament and personality in relation to stuttering; and (d) discuss situational variations of stuttering and the possible role of social cognition.


Keywords:

ADHD; Anxiety; Social cognition; Stuttering; Temperament.

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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The Link Between Social Anxiety and Stuttering | Heuser Hearing Institute

It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend, Tiffanie Fuller. READ MORE



Posted on by Heuser Hearing Institute

Recent research has shown a link between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and childhood-onset fluency disorder (stuttering), with a rate of overlap as high as 75 percent.

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is more than simply being nervous or shy. SAD, also known as a social phobia, causes people to avoid all social contact because certain aspects of everyday interactions, like small talk and eye contact, make them so uncomfortable.

Symptoms of SAD are triggered by social interactions, and may include:

  • Fear of being judged, embarrassed, humiliated or offending someone
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Muscle tension
  • Dizziness
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms may occur when thinking about social interactions, during social interactions or even after social interactions have passed.

What Is Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder?

Stuttering is a speech disorder that causes problems with fluency and speech flow. People who stutter know what they are trying to say but have a difficult time getting the words out. While common in young children learning how to speak, the condition can persist into adulthood without early intervention.

Symptoms of stuttering include:

  • Trouble starting a word, phrase or sentence
  • Prolonging sounds within a word
  • Repetition of a sound, syllable or word
  • Silence between syllables or words
  • Addition of filler words
  • Tension or tightness in the face

While less common, stuttering can be accompanied by:

  • Rapid eye blinks
  • Tremors of the lips or jaw
  • Facial tics
  • Head jerks
  • Clenched fists

The Link Between Stuttering & SAD

It is important to note that, while feelings of stress, anxiety or embarrassment are common for people who stutter, SAD is not diagnosed unless these symptoms are debilitating to some degree and occur for reasons beyond the stutter.

While the nature of the link between these conditions is unclear, studies have shown that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a role in both stuttering and SAD. In fact, a higher rate of SAD has been found in people with Parkinson’s disease, a disorder involving dopamine production.

Neuroimaging has also shown that people with SAD and a stutter have abnormalities in their dopamine D2 receptor and process dopamine differently than people without these disorders. The amygdala may also play a role in SAD and stuttering.

Treatment Options

Speech therapy with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the standard treatment for stuttering and other speech disorders. SAD is often treated with medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). People with both conditions benefit greatly from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

For more information about the link between stuttering and social anxiety disorder, contact the experts at Heuser Hearing Institute today at (502) 584-3573.  

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Speech anxiety and fear of speech.

Children’s fears, as a rule, are quite specific and for the most part are related to what threatens the life of the child or someone on whom his life depends, for example, parents. With speech, the child develops a more complex relationship. Since speech is not given to a person along with life, the child cannot feel the loss of what else; does not own or owns only to a small extent. In addition, the quality of speech has little effect on the ability to satisfy his vital needs. Only as new, purely human needs are formed, including the need for communication, in obtaining new knowledge, the value of speech increases significantly.

The emergence of feelings about the quality of one’s own speech can be detected already in young children.

But even those who do not have speech impairments may be concerned about the quality of their speech.

Anxiety about one’s speech can change in stutterers depending on different circumstances. So, for example, with increasing age, it is observed; growth, however, as well as the growth of general anxiety.

The severity of speech anxiety depends on the severity of the speech disorder: the more pronounced the stuttering, the higher the anxiety.

Many stutterers, as they develop anxiety about their speech, begin to identify this anxiety with stuttering itself. But with additional questions, it usually turns out that fear is not caused by stuttering itself, but by a possible attitude towards them due to bad speech. Therefore, the degree of experience is largely related to who is the communication partner. And here fear can be very selective, individual.

There is a classification of stuttering according to the degree of fixation on its defect. Fixation on its defect; this is a reflection of an objectively existing speech defect (speech stuttering) in all the psychological activity of a stuttering person. This is the result of the processes of obtaining and processing information about speech difficulties and related troubles, transformed in the mental processes, states and properties of a stutterer and manifested in his interaction with the surrounding social environment.

There are three degrees of painful fixation on one’s defect:

(zero) Indifference to one’s defect, combined with a lack of willpower in the fight against it.

At this degree, they do not experience infringement from the consciousness of their inferior speech or even do not notice this inferiority at all. These stutterers willingly come into contact with acquaintances and strangers.

There are no elements of embarrassment, resentment for one’s wrong speech.

(moderate) Moderately restrained attitude towards one’s defect, combined with the presence of strong-willed efforts in the fight against it.

At this degree, unpleasant experiences are experienced in connection with stuttering, stuttering is hidden, compensated by speech tricks.

Nevertheless, awareness of one’s own shortcomings and experiences do not result in a constant painful feeling of one’s own inferiority.

(expressed) Hopelessly-desperate attitude towards one’s defect and the presence of such strong-willed efforts in the fight against it, which develop into obsessive actions and states.

With this degree, stutterers constantly focus on their speech failures, deeply and for a long time experience them. These stutterers make all their activities dependent on speech failures. They are characterized by withdrawal into illness, self-abasement, morbid suspiciousness, obsessive thoughts and a pronounced fear of speech.

With age (or with the experience of stuttering) in stutterers, the degree of fixation on their defect tends to become more complicated.

The positive results of speech therapy work with stutterers are naturally inversely related to the complexity of their fixation on their defect (the greater the fixation, the lower the result). It is the different degree of fixation on one’s defect, and not the experience of stuttering, not its severity, that determines the different results of speech therapy work.

The severity of stuttering is adequate to the degree of fixation on one’s defect.

Fear of speech communication with an obsessive expectation of speech failures – logophobia.

A kind of vicious circle is formed when convulsive hesitations in speech cause strong negative emotional reactions, which intensifies speech disorders. In the end, for most stutterers, speech becomes a source of constant mental trauma. All this causes increased exhaustion (both mental and verbal), fatigue and contributes to the development of pathological character traits.

Gradually, some stutterers begin to avoid speech loads, sharply limit speech contacts (passive form of compensation), others, on the contrary, become aggressive, obsessive in communication (hypercompensation phenomenon).

With age, logophobia in some cases acquires a particularly significant place in the picture of stuttering, is of an obsessive nature and arises at the mere thought of the need for verbal communication or with memories of verbal failures in the past. In this state, stutterers often do not say what they would like to say, but only what is easier to say.

Sent by Natalya Bakumova.

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causes, symptoms and treatments

Contents

  • 1 Neurotic stuttering: causes, symptoms and treatments
    • 1. 1 Neurotic stuttering: causes, symptoms and treatment
    • 1.2 What is neurotic stuttering nie?
    • 1.3 Symptoms of neurotic stuttering
    • 1.4 What causes neurotic stuttering?
    • 1.5 Diagnosis of neurotic stuttering
    • 1.6 How to prevent neurotic stuttering
    • 1.7 Physical treatments for neurotic stuttering
    • 1.8 Psychological treatments for neurotic stuttering
    • 1.9 Prognosis for life with neurotic stuttering
    • 1.10 Modern methods of treatment of neurotic stuttering
      • 1.10. 1 Psychotherapy
      • 1.10.2 Medical treatment
      • 1.10.3 Speech therapy
      • 1.10.4 Use of technology in the treatment of neurotic stuttering
    • 1.11 Overcoming neurotic stuttering on my own
    • 1.12 Findings about neurotic stuttering
    • 1.13 Related videos:
    • 1.14 Q&A:
        9006 3

        • 1.14.0.1 What is neurotic stuttering?
        • 1.14.0.2 What are the main causes of neurotic stuttering?
        • 1. 14.0.3 Is it possible to get rid of neurotic stuttering?
        • 1.14.0.4 How can medications help in the treatment of neurotic stuttering?
        • 1.14.0.5 How does psychotherapy help with neurotic stuttering?
        • 1.14.0.6 Which breathing exercises are considered effective in neurotic stuttering?

An article about the causes and methods of treatment of neurotic stuttering. Find out how to deal with this problem and regain freedom of speech.

Stuttering is a speech disorder that manifests itself in the repetition of sounds, words or phrases, prolonged blocking and other intermittent speech phenomena. Neurotic stuttering is one of the most common types of stuttering and occurs as a result of nervous or mental tension.

Although neurotic stuttering may not seem serious, it can seriously affect the quality of life and social adaptation of the affected person. Some people even avoid socializing to avoid situations that could trigger stuttering. This can lead to serious communication problems and increased anxiety.

In this article we will look at the causes of neurotic stuttering, its symptoms and treatments. We will also discuss what steps can be taken to improve the quality of life of people suffering from this disorder.

Neurotic stuttering: causes, symptoms and treatment

Stuttering is a speech disorder that manifests itself in the repetition of sounds, words or phrases. Neurotic stuttering is a form of stuttering that is caused by psychological factors.

Symptoms of neurotic stuttering may include repetition of sounds, delay or blocking of sounds, nervous behavior when trying to speak, and stressful situations that worsen the condition.

The causes of neurotic stuttering include emotional states, stress, anxiety, uncertainty, fear, insecurity, low self-esteem, mental problems such as depression, nervous exhaustion, TRAUMATIC SITUATIONS, such as the divorce of parents or the loss of a loved one.

  • Treatment of neurotic stuttering should include advice from a psychologist and/or speech therapist to help the patient cope with stressful situations, practice breathing and speech, and learn various relaxation techniques. It is important to understand that treating stuttering can take a long time and requires patience and perseverance.
  • Medications may also be prescribed to counteract anxiety and other psychological symptoms.
  • A complete cure for stuttering may not be possible, but with the right therapy and exercise, most people can greatly reduce speech problems and improve their lives.

In addition to specialized therapy, it is important to take measures to reduce stress, as it is one of the main causes of neurotic stuttering. Regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and the practice of psychological self-management measures can positively influence the patient and help manage stuttering.

What is neurotic stuttering?

Neurotic stuttering is a type of dysarthria that occurs due to psychological problems. A person suffering from neurotic stuttering has difficulty with words that are perceived as broken or stuck. Neurotic stuttering is different from physiological stuttering or motor dyslalia, which is due to physical causes such as related changes in the structure of the vocal cords.

Many people suffer from neurotic stuttering, and although it is not life-threatening, it can cause serious social problems for them. The best way to overcome this condition is with professional help, including psychological therapy and other behavioral therapy techniques.

  1. Neurotic stuttering is a type of dysarthria in which a person has difficulty with words
  2. Neurotic stuttering is different from physiological stuttering, which occurs due to physical causes
  3. Symptoms of neurotic stuttering may include speech impairment, increased anxiety, fear of large numbers of people, etc.
  4. The best way to overcome neurotic stuttering is professional help, including psychological therapy and other behavioral therapy techniques.

Symptoms of neurotic stuttering. He can repeat sounds, words or phrases, increasing the pauses between them. Symptoms can vary from intensity to frequency, depending on the degree of stress.

Some of the typical symptoms of neurotic stuttering include:

  • Repetition of sounds: the person may repeat a sound or sounds, especially when trying to start a phrase.
  • Pauses: people can make long pauses between words and phrases.
  • Tension and Stress: A stutterer may feel tension and stress in their voice, face and body.
  • Avoidance: A stutterer may avoid certain words or situations that are expected to cause stuttering.

Neurotic stuttering can limit a person’s ability to express their thoughts and feelings and affect their life, work and relationships.

What causes neurotic stuttering?

Neurotic stuttering is a complex condition that can be caused by various factors. One of the main reasons is psychological pressure. Worry, anxiety, fear and depression can lead to this condition.

Also, neurotic stuttering can be caused by brain injuries, dysfunction of the nervous system, and diseases of the throat and mouth.

Genetic factors and heredity may also play a role in stuttering.

  • Psychological stress: worries, anxiety, fear, depression
  • Brain injuries: strokes, falls, infections
  • Disorders of the nervous system: diseases, diseases, injuries
  • Diseases of the throat and mouth: cysts, tumors, malocclusion
  • Heredity: genetic factors

Diagnosis of neurotic stuttering

Diagnosis of neurotic stuttering is the process of determining the presence and characteristics of stuttering in a person. It includes analyzing symptoms and performing tests and investigations.

The doctor may then perform a physical examination and ask the patient to repeat words and phrases to determine if stuttering is present. Additional tests, such as psychological assessments, may be recommended to further evaluate the patient.

It is important to note that stuttering can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or heredity. Therefore, for an accurate diagnosis, you may need to consult a variety of specialists, including neurologists, speech therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

How to prevent neurotic stuttering

Neurotic stuttering can manifest itself due to many factors. Some of them may be associated with emotional stress, while others may be associated with physical problems.

One of the ways to prevent neurotic stuttering is regular relaxation exercises. It can be meditation, yoga, deep breathing. It is important to devote enough time to learning these exercises, as only the correct and regular performance can help in reducing tension and stress, which in turn can reduce speech difficulties.

Audio-visual therapy can also help. It may be helpful to hear other people speak in reducing your fear of speaking, as well as in improving your understanding of how words are spoken normally.

It is also important to eat right and exercise. Avoid stressful situations, follow the schedule of rest and sleep. Preparation before speaking (including preparing arguments, plans, etc.) can reduce the fear of speaking as well as the symptoms of neurotic stuttering.

Tips for preventing stuttering:
  • Regular relaxation exercises
  • Audiovisual Therapy
  • Healthy Eating and Sports
  • Avoiding Stress
  • Keeping a Rest and Sleep Schedule
  • Getting Ready to Talk

Physical treatments for neurotic stuttering

Problems with stuttering greatly complicate a person’s life, interfere with his normal conversation and can slow down career growth. A proven way to solve this problem are various physical treatments aimed at reducing the neurotic load on the body.

  • Relaxation – with the help of various techniques, such as meditation or yoga, you can learn to cope with stressful situations and control your breathing. This reduces anxiety levels and improves the pronunciation of words.
  • Breathing Workouts – Breathing exercises can help reduce stuttering. Regular respiratory muscle strengthening exercises can improve breath control and reduce feelings of fatigue and stress.
  • Articulation exercises – special exercises to improve the pronunciation of sounds and words can help people who stutter. Regular exercise helps to improve understanding of the muscles of the mouth and larynx, as well as keep them in shape.
  • Computer programs – Nowadays there are computer programs specially designed for the treatment of neurotic stuttering. They help improve the pronunciation of words and reduce the time between words.

It is important to remember that every person is different, and the treatment of neurotic stuttering should not be universal. Techniques that work for one may not work for another. Therefore, the best solution is to visit the attending physician and develop an individual course of treatment.

Psychological treatments for neurotic stuttering

Neurotic stuttering can be caused by psychological problems such as fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, etc. Therefore, one of the ways to treat neurotic stuttering is psychotherapy.

One of the effective methods used in psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people change their negative way of thinking and behaving.

  • As part of cognitive behavioral therapy, the patient is taught techniques to help reduce stress and anxiety that can cause stuttering.
  • A relaxation technique is also used, which is very effective in reducing anxiety and tension.
  • The therapist may suggest breathing exercises to the patient, which can also help reduce nervousness and increase communication confidence.

In addition to CBT, other psychological methods can be used, such as arto-mediation, dance therapy, and others.

However, it is worth remembering that whatever treatment method is chosen, it is important that it is effective and suitable for a particular patient. Therefore, the best solution would be to consult with a specialist who will help you choose the best treatment method.

Prognosis for life with neurotic stuttering

Neurotic stuttering is a critical factor that can affect a person’s quality of life. However, despite this, the prognosis for life with neurotic stuttering can be positive if certain measures are taken.

Second, there are many self-help techniques that can be used to reduce the risk of exacerbating neurotic stuttering. Regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can help patients manage their condition and reduce anxiety.

Finally, the environment plays a big role in the prognosis for life with neurotic stuttering. Support from loved ones or colleagues at work, the opportunity to network and participate in social activities can help patients overcome their condition and achieve better results in their lives.

Modern methods of treatment of neurotic stuttering

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is one of the effective methods of treating neurotic stuttering. This technique is aimed at identifying the causes of the disease and helping the patient to overcome psychological problems. The main types of psychotherapy are behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Drug treatment

For the treatment of neurotic stuttering, drugs can be prescribed that normalize the level of neurotransmitters in the patient’s body. This improves the functioning of the nervous system and reduces the symptoms of stuttering. Examples of such drugs are enzyme preparations and antidepressants.

Speech therapy

Speech therapy aims to improve speech development and correct speech disorders. It helps the patient to find the correct intonation and rhythm of speech, which in turn improves speech diction and helps in overcoming stuttering. The main methods of speech therapy are speech therapy exercises, articulation therapy and melodic intonation speech therapy.

The use of technology in the treatment of neurotic stuttering

Modern technologies can be used in the treatment of neurotic stuttering. For example, the FluencyCoach program helps patients improve their speech by increasing the length of phrases and controlling the speed of speech. There are also applications for smartphones and tablets containing various exercises and workouts aimed at improving speech and overcoming stuttering.

Self-management of neurotic stuttering

Neurotic stuttering is a fairly common speech disorder and can occur in people of any age. Many suffering from this problem try to overcome it on their own, without the help of specialists.

In addition, in order to successfully overcome neurotic stuttering, it is necessary to establish psychological stability and reduce the level of stress and anxiety as much as possible. One of the effective methods to achieve this goal can be meditation, relaxation techniques or therapeutic exercises.

It is important to remember that coping with neurotic stuttering on your own can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Therefore, if preventive measures do not bring the desired results, it is necessary to seek help from specialists – speech therapists, psychotherapists or psychologists.

Conclusions about neurotic stuttering

Neurotic stuttering is a disorder that manifests itself in the form of repetitive words or sounds during speech. According to research, the causes of stuttering can be both physical and psychological.

One of the main causes of neurotic stuttering is nervous tension, which can cause pressure in the mouth and throat. Some people may use stuttering as a defense mechanism to avoid more serious communication problems.

Various methods are used to treat neurotic stuttering, such as therapy, medication or physiological correction. It is important to find a specialist who specializes in the treatment of stuttering and can offer the most effective methods for a particular case.

One of the most important techniques in the treatment of neurotic stuttering is the understanding of the patient’s fears and anxieties. Since stuttering is often associated with emotional discomfort, working with a psychologist can help relieve this tension and reduce the appearance of stuttering.

  • It is important to remember that neurotic stuttering is a disorder that causes physical and emotional discomfort.
  • Treatment should include working with professionals who are experienced in stuttering and who can suggest the most effective treatments.
  • A patient with neurotic stuttering must learn to find ways to manage their emotions and anxieties in order to improve their connection and quality of life.

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Q&A:

What is neurotic stuttering?

Neurotic stuttering is a speech defect that is observed in people suffering from neurosis. They have trouble pronouncing words, have difficulty starting sentences, and may repeat sounds, words, or phrases.

What are the main causes of neurotic stuttering?

The main causes of neurotic stuttering are stress, anxiety, nervous tension, fear, depression and low self-esteem.

Is it possible to get rid of neurotic stuttering?

Yes, there are a number of treatments for neurotic stuttering, including medication, psychotherapy, breathing exercises, and other techniques.

How can drugs help in the treatment of neurotic stuttering?

Medicines can help patients with neurotic stuttering by reducing nervous tension, anxiety and depression. Some medications can also improve word pronunciation and reduce repetition.

How does psychotherapy help with neurotic stuttering?

Psychotherapy can help patients with neurotic stuttering develop anxiety and stress management skills, improve self-esteem and learn to control their speech impediment.