LACK OF EFFECT OF CLONIDINE ON STUTTERING IN CHILDREN

Objective: The authors studied the effects of the alpha(2)-receptor ag onist clonidine on stuttering in children. Method: Using a double-blin d crossover study, they gave placebo or 4 mu g/kg body weight per day to 25 stuttering children who were 6-13 years old. Stuttering was meas ured by counting the occurrences of four elementary speech difficultie s and by asking parents and teachers to give an overall impression of the amount of stuttering, as well as their impression of how troubleso me the stuttering was to the children. Results: Clonidine did not impr ove stuttering. Conclusions: Clonidine cannot be recommended as a usef ul drug for treating children who stutter.