HomeAnswersPsychiatryspeech problems and disordersI had a stuttering issue. Please give a permanent solution.

What is the long-term solution for stress-related stuttering?

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Published At April 20, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had a stress-related stuttering problem ever since I was young. However, now that I am in university, I need to give presentations in almost every lecture, which is very difficult for me to do since I cannot get the words out and get very strong heart palpitations and feel my chest to be constricted. I have tried to solve the problem by taking 10 mg Diazepam and it does make it much easier for me to speak and does not give me any physical symptoms either. But since this is not a long term solution, I would like to explore other options rather than being on benzodiazepines for the rest of my life. I have tried Propanolol as well, but it is not nearly as efficacious as Diazepam is. Not too long ago, a doctor prescribed me 0.5 mg Clonazepam for this problem. Clonazepam also seems to do the trick, but once again the problem is that I cannot take these drugs regularly because I will either develop a tolerance to them or get addicted to them. So, please tell me a sustainable solution for this problem because it is threatening my academic and financial success.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Thank you for taking help from a psychiatrist. I can understand your situation and concern about your work. You are already tried one of the best medications for panic attacks. If you have anxiety daily then you need to start regular SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) group medication to prevent your panic attack. You should start a tablet of Escitalopram 10mg daily in the morning after breakfast. You can try table Etizolam 0.5 mg when you are going to do a presentation. You are on quite a high dose of tablet Diazepam. You must not take such a high dose without a psychiatrist's prescription. You should also follow the below lifestyle to prevent panic attacks. It is non-pharmacological management for it. It will also reduce the need for medication.

  1. You should do exercises daily for 30 to 45 minutes like at least going for a walk.
  2. You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily, just sit in one place in a comfortable position and try to concentrate on your normal breathing, do not stop or force yourself to stop your thoughts, just let it be. It will reduce panic attacks.
  3. You should eat healthy home-cooked foods, and avoid junk foods.
  4. You must drink enough water.
  5. You should spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you are leaving away.
  6. You should spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills or language or musical instruments.
  7. You should take enough seven to eight hours of sleep daily.
  8. You must avoid tobacco or alcohol or any substance abuse.
  9. Live your life, do not just spend it.
  10. Be bold and confident.

You must do the following blood reports and follow up within week.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please, let me know if you want some help.

Thank you.

Investigations to be done

CBC (complete blood count), thyroid profile, vitamin B12, vitamin D3.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi
Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Psychiatry

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