Stuttering (dysphemia): symptoms, types, causes and treatment

This common speech disorder occurs when communicating with others, not when alone.

Communication is an essential aspect of being human. It allows us to connect with our peers, share experiences and ideas.

Among the different mechanisms available to us, oral language is one of the ones we use the most, and learning it is one of the aspects to which we dedicate the most time during our development. Since it is a skill that has to be trained progressively, it is common for difficulties to arise as we master it.

But in some cases these difficulties may indicate the presence of a communication disorder of greater or lesser severity. One of these disorders is stuttering or dysphemia..

Stuttering or dysphemia: a fluency disorder

Stuttering or dysphemia is a communication disorder based on a communication disorder based on alterations in the fluency of language.. It is a disorder that usually originates in childhood, and in which there are no problems in the subject's speech ability or competence with it but in its implementation. This problem is not due to diseases, neurological problems or sensory or intellectual deficits.

The most visible symptom is the existence of repetitions of words or parts of words during speech, as well as speech blocks. during speech, as well as blocking and prolongation of sounds. Speech becomes non-fluent and with interruptions. In some cases, circumlocutions are used in a way that alters sentence structure to prevent the perception of the fluency problem.

This is a problem linked to social speech, since stuttering only appears in the presence of an interlocutor.The dysphemias do not exist in subvocal speech or when the subject is alone. Thus, it can be observed that there is an affective component related to dysphemia.

The child or even adult experiences all of these difficulties with a high level of anxietyThe child or even adult experiences all these difficulties with a high level of anxiety, due to the perception of the difficulties as something inadequate and shameful. Feelings of abnormality or inferiority may arise. In fact, in some cases it can cause a high level of social withdrawal and even refusal to speak.

Also, this anxiety tends to lead to a higher level of repetitions and interruptions in speech, so that a vicious circle can be established between anxiety and communication problems. It is therefore a disorder that can cause a serious affectation of the subject and a serious affectation in the subject and its communicative and social development..

Dysphemia is a communication disorder that becomes chronic in some cases, although in a large number of cases it can completely or partially disappear if it is treated correctly and does not become chronic.

Types of stuttering

Stuttering or dysphemia is a problem that can present itself in different forms, depending on the type of fluency disturbance that occurs. Specifically, three subtypes of stuttering three subtypes of stuttering are usually identified.

1. Tonic dysphemia

This is a subtype of stuttering in which the problem is the existence of a block at the beginning of speech. a block at the beginning of the speechThe stuttering is a spasm at the beginning of the conversation that, after an intense effort, allows expression.

2. Clonic dysphemia

This subtype of stuttering is characterized by the presence of slight muscular contractions that cause the repetition of sounds or whole syllables during speech.

3. Mixed dysphemia

This is a combination of the two previous ones, with initial difficulties at the beginning of the initial difficulties in starting speech and repetitions due to involuntary muscle contractions. repetitions resulting from involuntary muscle contractions.

Origin of this disorder

The causes of stuttering or fluency disorder have often been explored and discussed, being nowadays the majority opinion that the etiology of this communication disorder is to be found in both Biological and environmental factors. is to be found in both biological and environmental factors. It has been observed that there are psychological factors of great relevance for its onset and maintenance, but the presence of alterations in brain functioning has also been speculated and analyzed.

Regarding biological and constitutional aspects, stuttering has been linked to the result of the competition of activity between the cerebral hemispheres during development. Many people with stuttering have a right hemisphere dominance with regard to language, and it has been shown that they have a slight delay between the time it takes them to decide to speak and the motor response that allows them to do so. There are also anomalies in the arcuate fasciculusa brain region linked to language.

On the other hand, at a more psychological and environmental level, the presence of conditioning can be observed in these children and adults, due to the repercussions in the form of mockery or recriminations in the face of their difficulties. This This leads to the presence of a high level of anxiety and frustration if not if they are not able to correct it, which in turn will lead to less fluency and an accentuation of the difficulties. Although it is not considered the cause of the problem, it can maintain and chronify the problem.

Aspects to take into account when treating a case

Speech fluency can be trained in such a way that the presence of stuttering is greatly reduced. Speech therapy can be of great help, especially if applied with programs that reduce the need for programs that reduce the need to speed up speech (due to anticipation of speech problems). (due to the anticipation of problems, many subjects tend to speed up their speech, which often causes them to make mistakes) and the level of tension and anxiety.

It is important to keep in mind that the presence of mockery and criticism can be detrimental, as they encourageIt is important to keep in mind that the presence of teasing and criticism can be detrimental, since they increase the subject's tension and more than likely worsen his or her communication. The same happens if they are tried to be urged to speak or complete sentences for them (a mistake that many members of the environment often make).

In fact, and as mentioned above, self-esteem can drop and cause the subject to become withdrawn and inhibited, avoiding social participation and affective bonding with other people. This contributes to the worsening and chronification of the disorder. The family and social support, and the perception of this one on the part of the subject, is very important.

Bibliographical references:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Fifth edition. DSM-V. Masson, Barcelona.

• Belloch, Sandín and Ramos (2008). Manual de Psicopatología. Madrid. McGraw-Hill. (vol. 1 and 2) Revised edition.

• Santos, J.L. (2012). Psicopatología. Manual CEDE de Preparación PIR, 01. CEDE. Madrid.