This misbehaving function may be the result of (1) the development of unusual habit-patterns; (2) the presence of a physical pathology caused by injury, poor diet, unwholesome conditions of sleep, work, or play, disease, or a warping of the organism by restraints of natural and necessary movements and acts; or (3) inherent deviations of the organism from type. A factor complicating the problem is the reaction of the patient toward his own stuttering. There is a definitely reflexive and secondary effect of the stuttering that serves to aggravate and accentuate the symptoms. No matter what therapy is employed, nothing should be said or done that gives the patient the notion that there is anything seriously wrong with him or that those who are working with him are sorry for him or anxious about him. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)