Although there is no cure for stuttering, alternative treatments are very popular on the internet. Some may be helpful, but others are simply a scam. If you are searching for alternative treatment besides speech therapy, be sure to view them with healthy skepticism. A survey conducted by the National Stuttering Association in 2002 showed that adults who stutter reported trying a variety of treatments, such as acupuncture, electroshock, tongue surgery, chiropractic treatment, Native American sweat lodges and vision quests, and a faith healer. Some approaches have helped those who stutter, but none have approached the success rate of speech therapy.
The NSA does not endorse any treatment that has not been proven to be safe and effective in controlled, published studies. Here are some of the alternative treatments that appeared in surveys:
Psychiatry & Psychological Counseling
This therapy may not have a direct impact on stuttering, but it can help address emotional issues like anxiety. It may uncover mental health conditions such as clinical depression. Psychiatry and psychological counseling can help you become more well-balanced and emotionally healthy. According to the NSA study, this counseling was very successful for 14% of respondents, somewhat successful for 44%, and not at all successful for 42%.
Pharmaceutical Treatments
No pharmaceutical medication has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of stuttering, but research shows that some anti-psychotic medications approved for other disorders may be helpful. They can be administered to older teens and adults by a psychiatrist or physician. They may be effective in reducing the severity of stuttering, especially when paired with speech therapy.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis may help alleviate the tension often associated with stuttering and encourage relaxation. According to the NSA study, less than 3% of respondents found it to be very successful, somewhat successful for 20%, and not at all successful for 77%.
Motivational Courses
Motivational courses help build self-confidence. 19% of survey respondents found motivational courses very successful in managing their stuttering, 49% found it somewhat successful, and 32% found it not at all successful.
SpeechEasy
SpeechEasy is a combination of proven technology and techniques which can be used to reduce stuttering. Worn in one ear and similar in appearance to a hearing aid, SpeechEasy has helped thousands increase their ability to communicate effectively and confidently. The program that comes with every SpeechEasy is supported by a team of fluency professionals who truly care about your success. Contact us today!
