Question
Dear Doctor: I am a person who stutters, but it’s not a frequent occurrence; it only happens in certain situations. How should I treat my stuttering? Can I use conventional methods like reading to treat it?
Answer
Stuttering is regarded by the medical community as one of the most strange and complex diseases in the world. The exact cause is still not clear, and there is insufficient attention given to its treatment. According to statistics, there are over 13 million people with stuttering in Taiwan, with a prevalence rate of 1%. Among them, the incidence rate of stuttering in children is even higher, reaching 5%-15%, while the rate during adolescence is around 1%, and for adults, it is 0.1%. Eighty percent of those who stutter are male. Common symptoms of stuttering include struggling to pronounce words, elevated pitch, interruptions in airflow, or tongue protrusion. When unable to express themselves, people who stutter may exhibit symptoms such as blinking, nodding, or facial twitches. Additionally, they may fear interacting with others or avoid certain words or sounds. Currently, there are limited treatment methods for stuttering, and conventional methods like reading cannot completely cure the condition. However, some individuals with stuttering may experience some degree of relief using these methods. The specific treatment for stuttering needs to be tailored to individual circumstances. It is recommended that you consult a professional nutrition and health science doctor or a speech therapist for a detailed evaluation and the development of a personalized treatment plan.