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Social phobia in adults with stuttering
M B Stein1, A Baird, J R Walker
1Department of Psychiatry, St. Boniface General Hospital, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Many adults who stutter experience significant social anxiety, which can be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Current diagnostic criteria may overlook this social phobia, limiting access to crucial interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is a common mental health condition.
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) excludes social phobia diagnoses in stutterers if the phobia is related to their stuttering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate social anxiety features in adults who stutter.
- To examine the validity of the DSM-IV exclusion criterion for social phobia in this population.
Main Methods:
- Diagnostic interviews and verbal fluency assessments were conducted with 16 adults seeking speech therapy.
- Participants completed validated scales for social phobia symptoms and disability.
Main Results:
- Seven of 16 participants met modified DSM-IV criteria for social phobia, with symptoms deemed excessive relative to stuttering severity.
- All seven patients with social phobia reported it as a significant source of role impairment.
- Three patients benefited from cognitive-behavioral group therapy.
Conclusions:
- Adult stutterers frequently experience significant social anxiety impacting their functioning.
- The DSM-IV exclusion criterion may impede the identification and treatment of social anxiety in this group.
- Cognitive-behavioral interventions show promise for treating social anxiety in adults who stutter.