Sertraline-Induced Stuttering in an Adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

There is also evidence that stuttering is caused by an adverse reaction to various medications. Antiepileptic drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and methylphenidate have all been linked to drug-induced stuttering. The patient was 13 years old (male) and was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and mild mental retardation. The patient had language development and was able to form sentences of 4-5 words. Atomoxetine 50 mg/day and aripiprazole 15 mg/day treatment was used. Sertraline 50 mg/day treatment was initiated because of repeated questioning, order-symmetry compulsions and repetitive behaviors. Approximately one month after the initiation of sertraline treatment, the patient came for a follow-up visit and it was found that the compulsions of the patient had decreased, but one week after sertraline treatment, it was learned that the patient started to have word blocks, prolongation of words and repetitions during speech. No pathology was found in the examination, hemogram and biochemistry tests, brain MRI and EEG tests. After sertraline treatment was discontinued, the stuttering of the patient gradually decreased and improved within 2 weeks. Both serotonergic and dopaminergic effects of sertraline as well as autism spectrum disorder (white matter anomalies) are thought to contribute to sertraline-induced stuttering.