Psychogenic Stuttering Following a Gastric Bypass Operation: Case Report

Deborah B. Raphael M.D. (PGY2)
Frank B. Schoenfeld M.D.

Abstract

We evaluated a 44-year-old female with bipolar affective disorder who presented with a 4-month history of severe stuttering and vague neurologic complaints. She had lost 200 pounds after gastric bypass surgery two years before. A childhood sexual-abuse victim, she admits that she "hid" in her weight for most of her life. Neurological evaluation of this patient was negative, and speech-pathology evaluation revealed highly atypical stuttering. Gastric bypass patients with a history of psychiatric disorders and childhood sexual abuse may be particularly vulnerable to somatoform disorders.

Recommended Citation

Raphael, Deborah B. M.D. (PGY2) and Schoenfeld, Frank B. M.D. (2006) "Psychogenic Stuttering Following a Gastric Bypass Operation: Case Report," Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry: Vol. 20: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: http://jdc.jefferson.edu/jeffjpsychiatry/vol20/iss1/3