Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Mpho Falaza on 29/01/2009 21:30:02

Title: Why do men stutter more than women?
Post by: Mpho Falaza on 29/01/2009 21:30:02

Mpho Falaza  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Chris,
 
I must admit I'm amazed that you could know so much about so much.
 
But I have a question that I think might stump you! Why is it that there are more men, than women, who stutter? I've just noticed that, I know more men who stutter than women who stutter. More on that why do people stutter in the first place?
 
Looking forward to your answer on the show.
 
Thanks & Regards,
 
Mpho Falaza

What do you think?

Title: Why do men stutter more than women?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 30/01/2009 00:40:10

Tourette syndrome (TS) is an inherited disorder. Males are affected three to four times as often as females.

Title: Why do men stutter more than women?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 30/01/2009 00:43:04

The symptoms include motor and vocal tics—repetitive, involuntary movements or utterances that are rapid and sudden.

Title: Why do men stutter more than women?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 30/01/2009 00:49:46

Quote

More on that why do people stutter in the first place?

Quote

Although the exact cause of stuttering is not known, there are three leading theories that propose how stuttering develops. The learning theory proposes that stuttering is a learned behavior and that most normal children are occasionally disfluent (i.e. speaking rapidly, searching for the right words, etc.) when at the age at which speech and language develop. If a child is criticized or punished for this, he or she may develop anxiety about the disfluencies, causing increased stuttering and increased anxiety. 
The second theory suggests that stuttering is a psychological problem-that stuttering is an underlying problem that can be treated with psychotherapy.
The third theory proposes that the cause of stuttering is organic, that neurological differences exist between the brains of those who stutter and those who don't. Although the interference with speech is sometimes triggered by emotional or situational factors, stuttering is basically neurological and physiological – not psychological - in nature. In all other respects, persons who stutter are perfectly normal.

http://neurology.health-cares.net/stuttering-causes.php

Title: Why do men stutter more than women?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 30/01/2009 01:35:31

I am having trouble quoting Mpho Falaza, don't know why though [???][???]