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Loss of speech during stressful conditio
My friend while talking during stressful conditions suddenly loses the ability to speak. This has been happening multiple time recently. Especially when he gets angry or upset he is suddenly unable to speak properly. He visited a general medicine doctor and blood test was taken, which have normal results.what could be the reason for such conditions when a person temporarily loses the ability to speak especially while angry or upset. Is this a psychological issue?
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History is inadequate, need detailed evaluation
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Consult psychiatrist
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Yes. It is called hysterical aphonia. Ask him to consult a psychiatrist for remedy
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From the history it appears to be psychological in nature. However better to get a physical consultation and evaluation from a neurologist and then a psychiatrist
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Yes this may be due to a psychological defense mechanism called Dissociation. You should visit a Psychiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment
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Hi
Yes, what you’re describing does sound like it could have a psychological origin, especially since the episodes are triggered by emotional stress (anger or upset) and no physical or neurological cause was found through general medical tests. This kind of temporary speech loss under emotional stress may fall under a condition called Conversion Disorder (now termed as Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder in DSM-5). In this condition, psychological stress gets “converted” into physical symptoms — in this case, affecting speech.
It can also be related to severe anxiety, panic attacks, or even dissociation, where the mind momentarily disconnects from certain functions (like speaking) as a defense mechanism. Anger or emotional overwhelm can trigger this as the nervous system gets dysregulated. Therapy — especially CBT or trauma-focused work — can help identify the root emotional conflicts, teach grounding techniques, and prevent future episodes. It’s very treatable with the right psychological support.
Take therapy, and you can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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Your friend needs therapy to handle stress
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Hello Sir
These are stressful situations
And sometimes the brain swifts the mental stress into physical symptoms to get relief from it
Since you have already done multiple investigations and everything is normal, it seems more of Psychiatric condition, and can be treated with counseling and if required medication
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kindly consult online for further management and treatment
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Hi.. Yes it could be a psychological issue. But I will need further history regarding the same to advise appropriately.
Consult online for further evaluation and management
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Dr. Saloni Seth Agarwal
Psychiatrist
7 yrs exp
Delhi
From the history,this seems to be dissociation
Please consult a Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation
(Can consult with me through Practo )
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Consult a Psychiatrist
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It is treatable so consult a Psychiatrist and do not self investigate and avoid doctor shopping
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Dr. Chitra Jain
Psychiatrist
6 yrs exp
Mumbai
Could be symptoms of underlying anxiety. A thorough assessment by a mental health professional would be recommended.
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Ms. Meenakshi Goel
Psychologist
4 yrs exp
Delhi
Yes, what you're describing can very likely be psychological in nature, especially since the medical tests have come back normal. Sudden loss of speech during emotional stress, such as anger or being upset, could be a psychosomatic response or part of a condition known as conversion disorder (also called Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder).
In such cases, the body expresses emotional distress through physical symptoms like temporary speech loss, muscle weakness, or other neurological signsâwithout an underlying medical cause.
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A detailed psychological assessment by a counselling or clinical psychologist can help uncover the emotional triggers and patterns behind these episodes. Therapy, particularly trauma-informed or emotion-focused approaches, can help the person process unresolved emotional pain or suppressed anger that may be manifesting this way. Stress management tools and emotional regulation techniques can be introduced through therapy to reduce the intensity of such episodes.
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Feel free to reach out to me.
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Ms. Rupali Mohbe
Clinical Psychologist
25 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Hi, I appreciate that you reached out with your concern.
Based on the description, it’s possible that your friend is experiencing where psychological stress manifests as physical symptom, in his case it is sudden inability to speak without a clear medical cause. I would suggest to consult a therapist and also consider psychometric tests to know the root of this. Therapist will help you to have clear picture of the cause of stress and other related problems. Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Meanwhile, Practice deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and Progressive muscle relaxation to reduce your anxiety. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and prioritize adequate sleep.
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For therapy and psychometric tests, you can book an appointment with Rupali Mohbe/BIRDY ME at Practo
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Daily do Progressive muscle relaxation techniques to calm yourself.
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Dr. Parika Kochhar
Psychiatrist
6 yrs exp
Noida
Your friend is experiencing this due to psychiatric conditions such as stress, anxiety, etc. There must be other symptoms also that your friend must be experiencing. It is a type of psychiatric disorder which can be treated successfully by a psychiatrist. Kindly consult for resolution of the problem.
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