The pharmacology of stuttering: a critical review.
OBJECTIVE
The author critically examines the limited world literature on pharmacologic treatments of stuttering.


METHODS
The literature on stuttering and drugs was identified by means of two computer-assisted searches.


RESULTS
A great variety of pharmacologic agents have been used to treat stuttering, reflecting the many theories about the origin and nature of the disorder. In some instances new hypotheses about the nature of stuttering have followed the chance discovery of agents having some efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
Few studies have used adequate experimental designs. Promising avenues of research, both for the treatment of stuttering and for exploring its nature, include the use of calcium channel blocking agents and cholinergic drugs.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
J P
JP
Brady
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010277:Parasympathomimetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D013342:Stuttering / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014700:Verapamil / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D010277:Parasympathomimetics; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D014700:Verapamil; D006220:Haloperidol