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From: Darrell Dodge
Date: 10/12/03
Time: 4:25:32 PM
Remote Name: 198.81.26.111
Hi Larry:
I appreciated your article because it provided such a good opportunity to think about this subject. Because the fear of stuttering in social situations is excluded from the diagnosis of SP, however, my experience would agree with your conclusion that "the current research base does not support . . . the contention of a widespread relationship between the two disorders."
At the bottom of the table of Diagnostic criteria for SP there was another diagnosis listed that did resonate with me quite a bit for a possible common association with stuttering: "Avoidant Personality Disorder." I wonder if you would provide some thoughts about the importance of this diagnosis as a possible co-morbid condition with stuttering. For background, here are the criteria -- only 4 need apply for the diagnosis(from mentalhealth.com)
1. avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection.
2. is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked
3. shows restraint with intimate relationships because of the fear of being shmaed or ridiculed
4. is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations
5. is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy
6. views self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others
7. is usually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing.
Because this is a personality disorder, rather than a phobia, it would permeate the person's entire lifestyle. And you'll note that the symptoms listed are precisely those that are "treated" by involvement in support groups, which are so valuable for people who stutter. (The presence of this disorder could also explain why it is so difficult to recruit people for support groups, as well!) And these characteristics could be superimposed on any basal "personality" type, squaring with our perception that there are many personality differences among people who stutter.
Regards,
- Darrell Dodge, MA, CCC-SLP