Psycho-physiological peculiarities are the result of the interaction between the mind and body, and they are closely linked to the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls many of our bodily functions [1]. The ANS is divided into two branches, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which work in opposition to regulate our bodily responses to stimuli.
The SNS is responsible for the «fight or flight» response, which prepares the body for action in response to a perceived threat or danger. This response is associated with increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, as well as the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. The PNS, on the other hand, is responsible for the «rest and digest» response, which promotes relaxation and recovery. This response is associated with decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, and increased digestive and immune system activity.
Psycho-physiological peculiarities can be measured using a variety of techniques, such as electroencephalography (EEG), which records electrical activity in the brain, electrocardiography (ECG), which records electrical activity in the heart, and galvanic skin response (GSR), which measures changes in skin conductance due to sweat gland activity. These techniques can provide valuable insights into a person's emotional and cognitive states, and can be used to diagnose and treat various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [2].
Psycho-physiological peculiarities provide a window into the complex interplay between the mind and body, and can help us better understand and manage our emotional and physical responses to the world around us.
One example of a speech disorder with psycho-physiological peculiarities is stuttering.
Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects the fluency and rhythm of speech. It is characterized by repetitions or prolongations of sounds, syllables, words, or phrases, as well as blocking or difficulty initiating speech. Stuttering can also be accompanied by physical tension or struggle, such as facial grimacing or rapid eye blinks [3].
The exact causes of stuttering are not fully understood, but it is thought to be a complex interplay between genetic, neurological, environmental, and psychological factors. There is evidence to suggest that there may be differences in brain activity and anatomy in individuals who stutter, particularly in areas related to speech planning and execution. Additionally, studies have shown that individuals who stutter may have higher levels of physiological arousal, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, compared to those who do not stutter.
Stuttering typically begins in early childhood, between the ages of 2 and 5, and affects approximately 1 % of the population. While there is no known cure for stuttering, there are a variety of treatment options that can help individuals manage their stuttering and improve their communication skills. These may include speech therapy, which focuses on developing more efficient and relaxed speech patterns, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and tension related to stuttering.
Stuttering can have significant impacts on an individual's social, emotional, and academic functioning, and can be a source of stress and frustration. However, with appropriate support and intervention, many individuals with stuttering are able to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling and successful lives.
Another example of a speech disorder with psycho-physiological peculiarities is apraxia of speech. Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder that affects the ability to plan and coordinate the movements necessary for speech production. It is caused by damage or Injury to the parts of the brain that control the muscles used in speech production, particularly the areas responsible for planning and executing the complex movements required for speech [4].
Individuals with apraxia of speech may have difficulty coordinating the movements of their lips, tongue, jaw, and other speech muscles, leading to inconsistent and error-prone speech production. They may have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or words, or may make substitutions, omissions, or additions of sounds or syllables.
Unlike other speech disorders, such as stuttering or voice disorders, apraxia of speech is not typically associated with psycho-physiological arousal or tension. Instead, it is characterized by reduced activation in the regions of the brain responsible for speech planning and execution, as well as decreased muscle activity and coordination during speech production.
Apraxia of speech can be caused by a variety of factors, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and developmental disorders. Treatment for apraxia of speech typically involves speech therapy, which focuses on developing strategies to improve speech planning and coordination, as well as compensatory techniques to improve communication. In some cases, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices may also be used to support communication.
Apraxia of speech can have significant impacts on an individual's ability to communicate effectively, and can be a source of frustration and social isolation. However, with appropriate treatment and support, many individuals with apraxia of speech are able to improve their speech production and participate more fully in social and academic settings.
Other speech disorders, such as dysarthria and voice disorders, may also be associated with psycho-physiological peculiarities. Dysarthria and voice disorders are two other types of speech disorders that can affect an individual's ability to communicate effectively [5].
Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that occurs as a result of damage or injury to the parts of the brain or nervous system that control the muscles used in speech production. It can affect the strength, speed, range, and coordination of these muscles, resulting in speech that is slow, slurred, weak, or difficult to understand. Dysarthria can be caused by a variety of factors, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, degenerative diseases, and neurological disorders. Treatment for dysarthria typically involves speech therapy, which focuses on improving muscle strength and coordination, as well as developing compensatory strategies to improve speech intelligibility.
Voice disorders, on the other hand, are characterized by abnormalities in the quality, pitch, loudness, or resonance of the voice. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including vocal cord nodules, polyps, or paralysis, as well as psychological factors such as stress or anxiety. Treatment for voice disorders may include medical interventions such as surgery or medication, as well as voice therapy, which focuses on improving vocal technique and reducing strain and tension in the vocal muscles.
Like stuttering and apraxia of speech, dysarthria and voice disorders can have significant impacts on an individual's ability to communicate effectively and can affect social, emotional, and academic functioning. However, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, many individuals with these disorders are able to manage their symptoms and improve their communication abilities.
Overall, the psycho-physiological peculiarities of speech disorders highlight the complex interplay between psychological and physiological factors that can contribute to the development and maintenance of these disorders. Understanding these factors can be Important in developing effective treatment approaches that address both the physical and psychological aspects of speech disorders.
References:
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Division And Functions. — Текст: электронный // Simply Psychology: [сайт]. — URL: https://www.simplypsychology.org/autonomic-nervous-system.html (дата обращения: 20.04.2023).
- What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?. — Текст: электронный // Stonebridge: [сайт]. — URL: https://www.stonebridge.uk.com/blog/cbt-counselling-and-psychotherapy/ptsd-what-is-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/ (дата обращения: 20.04.2023).
- What Is Stuttering?. — Текст: электронный // verywellmind: [сайт]. — URL: https://www.verywellmind.com/stuttering-and-social-anxiety-disorder-connections-3024756 (дата обращения: 20.04.2023).
- What Is Apraxia of Speech?. — Текст: электронный // verywellhealth: [сайт]. — URL: https://www.verywellhealth.com/speech-apraxia-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-treatment-7255286 (дата обращения: 20.04.2023).
- Major types of speech disorders. — Текст: электронный // britannica: [сайт]. — URL: https://www.britannica.com/science/speech-disorder/Major-types-of-speech-disorders (дата обращения: 20.04.2023).
