Stuttering has genetic origin

Biological or psychological? Genetic mutations play a role in stuttering, says the work of American geneticists published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The origins of this disorder, which affects 1% of adults worldwide, had previously been mysterious.

"For the first time a research pinpoints specific genetic mutations that are potentially the cause of stuttering," said Dr. James Battey, director of the U.S. National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

Scientists have long suspected genetic cause, since some families were more affected by this disorder than others.

In addition, they already knew that there was a relationship between mutations in 2 of 3 genes identified in stuttering and other rare metabolic disorders on recycling cell. This shows that the new findings is the link between mutations in the third of these genes and stuttering.

Consequences of this development are significant, since it could lead to new treatments. Today, therapies consist mainly of reducing anxiety, to help the stutterer to breathe and speak regularly.

In addition to the persons directly concerned, this discovery can relieve parents of children who stutter. "This study shows that it's organic. This removes the burden of guilt for parents," says Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation of America.

In addition, this discovery would put an end to the stigmatization of adults who stutter: people can no longer say "it is in his head," she added.

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