Stuttering and Social Anxiety Disorder: New Insights and Treatment Possibilities

Stuttering (childhood-onset fluency disorder) is characterized by disruptions in speech fluency. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder in people who stutter is prohibited. However, the introduction of the DSM-5 enabled the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder concurrently with stuttering, making the concerns of people who stutter more visible. Understanding the performance-only subtype of social anxiety disorder introduced in DSM-5 can prevent underestimating the concerns of people who stutter and lead to appropriate support. While cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in treating stuttering, accumulating evidence for pharmacotherapy is also necessary.