Stammering

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Stammering, also known as stuttering, is a speech disorder characterized by frequent and significant problems with the normal fluency and flow of speech. It is a multifactorial disorder, meaning it can be caused by a combination of several factors such as genetics, development, and environment.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of stammering is unknown, but it is believed to involve a variety of factors. These include:

  • Genetics: Stammering tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
  • Neurophysiology: Differences in brain structure and function in people who stammer have been identified.
  • Developmental factors: Stammering often starts during childhood when speech and language skills are developing.
  • Environmental factors: Stress, anxiety, and pressure can exacerbate stammering, but they do not cause it.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The main symptom of stammering is the disruption of the normal fluency of speech. This can manifest as:

  • Repeating sounds, syllables, or words
  • Prolonging certain sounds
  • Making involuntary pauses

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There is no cure for stammering, but several treatments can help manage the symptoms. These include:

  • Speech therapy: This is the most common treatment for stammering. It involves techniques to improve fluency and communication skills.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This can help manage the psychological impact of stammering, such as anxiety and low self-esteem.
  • Electronic devices: Some devices can help improve fluency by altering the way the person hears their own voice.

See also[edit | edit source]

Stammering Resources
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