Stilted Speech: A Review of its Causes and Treatments
Abstract
Stilted speech is a phenomenon where a speaker has difficulty expressing themself as they normally would, resulting in an unnatural or awkward speech pattern. This review looks at the known causes of stilted speech and the treatments available for it. Common causes of stilted speech include anxiety, aphasia, and neurological disorders. Recommended treatments include speech-language therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications used to treat the underlying cause. This review highlights the prevalence of stilted speech and the need for further research into its treatment and management.
Introduction
Stilted speech is a communication disorder characterized by a speaker’s difficulty in expressing their thoughts in a normal and natural manner. It is often described as a speaker’s inability to “find the right words” or to express themselves in a way that is easily understood by others. Stilted speech can be seen in individuals of all ages, but is most commonly observed in those with communication and language difficulties, such as those with autism, aphasia, or neurological disorders. This review will look at the causes and treatments of stilted speech, as well as the need for further research into this disorder.
Causes
The causes of stilted speech can vary between individuals, but are typically rooted in a communication disorder or mental health issue. Common causes of stilted speech include:
• Anxiety: People with anxiety disorders can often have difficulty expressing themselves in a natural and meaningful way. This can lead to them speaking in a monotone or robotic manner, as well as having difficulty finding the right words to express themselves.
• Aphasia: Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. It can cause difficulty in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. Individuals with aphasia may have difficulty finding the right words to express themselves, which can result in a stilted speech pattern.
• Neurological Disorders: Neurological disorders such as dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and Huntington’s Disease can all cause difficulty in speaking. These disorders can impair a person’s ability to form coherent sentences, leading to a stilted speech pattern.
Treatments
The treatment of stilted speech depends on the underlying cause of the disorder. Common treatments include:
• Speech-Language Therapy: Speech-language therapy can help a person improve their verbal communication skills. It can help a person find the right words to express themselves and teach them how to use a natural and meaningful speech pattern.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps a person identify and change unhelpful thinking or behavior. This type of therapy can help a person with anxiety learn how to express themselves in a more natural manner.
• Medications: Medications may be prescribed to treat the underlying cause of stilted speech. For example, a person with aphasia may be prescribed medications to help improve their language skills, while a person with anxiety may be prescribed anti-anxiety medications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stilted speech is a communication disorder that can have a variety of causes. Common causes of stilted speech include anxiety, aphasia, and neurological disorders. Recommended treatments include speech-language therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications used to treat the underlying cause. This review highlights the prevalence of stilted speech and the need for further research into its treatment and management.
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2020). Stuttering. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering/
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (2020). Aphasia. Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/aphasia
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2020). Common neurological disorders. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Common-Neurological-Disorders-Information-Page
National Institute of Mental Health (2019). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml