Stuttering Symptoms and DSM-IV Diagnosis

Stuttering symptoms and diagnostic criteria follow below. While some of these stuttering symptoms may be recognized by family, teachers, legal and medical professionals, and others, only properly trained mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, professional counselors etc.) can or should even attempt to make a mental health diagnosis. Many additional factors are considered in addition to the stuttering symptoms in making proper diagnosis, including frequently medical and psychological testing considerations. This information on stuttering symptoms and diagnostic criteria are for information purposes only and should never replace the judgement and comprehensive assessment of a trained mental health clinician.

Diagnostic criteria for 307.0 Stuttering

Disturbance In the normal fluency and time patterning of speech (inappropriate for the individual's age). characterized by frequent occurrences of one or more of the following:

(1) sound and syllable repetitions

(2) sound prolongations

(3) interjections

(4) broken words (e.g., pauses within a word)

(5) audible or silent blocking (filled or unfilled pauses in speech)

(6) circumlocutions (word substitutions to avoid problematic words)

(7) words produced with an excess of physical tension

(8) monosyllabic whole-word repetitions (e.g., "I-I-I I see him")

B. The disturbance in fluency interferes with academic or occupational achievement or with social communication.

C. If a speech-motor or sensory deficit is present, the speech difficulties are in excess of those usually associated with these problems.

Coding Note: If a speech-motor or sensory deficit or a neurological condition is present, code the condition on Axis III.

Also, See: Other Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence

Other Mental Health Diagnostic Symptoms and Criteria