Selective mutism: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Selective mutism | |||
| synonyms = [[Elective mutism]] | |||
| field = [[Psychiatry]], [[Pediatrics]] | |||
| symptoms = Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations despite speaking in other situations | |||
| onset = Typically before age 5 | |||
| duration = Can persist for months or years | |||
| causes = [[Anxiety disorder]], [[Social anxiety disorder]] | |||
| risks = [[Social isolation]], [[Academic difficulties]] | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[clinical assessment]] and [[DSM-5]] criteria | |||
| differential = [[Autism spectrum disorder]], [[Communication disorder]], [[Social anxiety disorder]] | |||
| treatment = [[Behavioral therapy]], [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[Family therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies; early intervention improves outcomes | |||
| frequency = Rare; estimated 0.03% to 1% of children | |||
}} | |||
'''Selective mutism''' is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child's inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, such as school. These children are able to speak and communicate in settings where they are comfortable, secure, and relaxed. | '''Selective mutism''' is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child's inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, such as school. These children are able to speak and communicate in settings where they are comfortable, secure, and relaxed. | ||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
Selective mutism is believed to be a [[psychosocial disorder]] that results from anxiety, specifically social anxiety, that causes the child to be unable to speak in certain situations. It is not a form of [[stubbornness]] or [[defiance]]. It is also not a result of [[trauma]] or a [[developmental disorder]]. | Selective mutism is believed to be a [[psychosocial disorder]] that results from anxiety, specifically social anxiety, that causes the child to be unable to speak in certain situations. It is not a form of [[stubbornness]] or [[defiance]]. It is also not a result of [[trauma]] or a [[developmental disorder]]. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Children with selective mutism often exhibit the following symptoms: | Children with selective mutism often exhibit the following symptoms: | ||
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* Failure to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with, the spoken language required in the social situation | * Failure to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with, the spoken language required in the social situation | ||
* The disturbance is not better accounted for by a [[communication disorder]] (e.g., [[stuttering]]) and does not occur exclusively during a [[Pervasive Developmental Disorder]], [[Schizophrenia]], or other [[psychotic disorder]]. | * The disturbance is not better accounted for by a [[communication disorder]] (e.g., [[stuttering]]) and does not occur exclusively during a [[Pervasive Developmental Disorder]], [[Schizophrenia]], or other [[psychotic disorder]]. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Selective mutism is diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] (DSM-5). A comprehensive evaluation should be conducted by a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about this disorder. | Selective mutism is diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] (DSM-5). A comprehensive evaluation should be conducted by a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about this disorder. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for selective mutism involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes the child, family, school professionals, and mental health professionals. Treatment options include [[behavioral therapy]], [[cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[play therapy]], and [[family therapy]]. Medication may also be used in conjunction with therapy. | Treatment for selective mutism involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes the child, family, school professionals, and mental health professionals. Treatment options include [[behavioral therapy]], [[cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[play therapy]], and [[family therapy]]. Medication may also be used in conjunction with therapy. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Anxiety disorder]] | * [[Anxiety disorder]] | ||
* [[Social anxiety]] | * [[Social anxiety]] | ||
* [[Childhood psychiatric disorders]] | * [[Childhood psychiatric disorders]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Anxiety disorders]] | [[Category:Anxiety disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Childhood psychiatric disorders]] | [[Category:Childhood psychiatric disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Communication disorders]] | [[Category:Communication disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Psychiatric diagnosis]] | [[Category:Psychiatric diagnosis]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 23:09, 3 April 2025
| Selective mutism | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Elective mutism |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations despite speaking in other situations |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Typically before age 5 |
| Duration | Can persist for months or years |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Anxiety disorder, Social anxiety disorder |
| Risks | Social isolation, Academic difficulties |
| Diagnosis | Based on clinical assessment and DSM-5 criteria |
| Differential diagnosis | Autism spectrum disorder, Communication disorder, Social anxiety disorder |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Behavioral therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Family therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies; early intervention improves outcomes |
| Frequency | Rare; estimated 0.03% to 1% of children |
| Deaths | N/A |
Selective mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child's inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, such as school. These children are able to speak and communicate in settings where they are comfortable, secure, and relaxed.
Etiology[edit]
Selective mutism is believed to be a psychosocial disorder that results from anxiety, specifically social anxiety, that causes the child to be unable to speak in certain situations. It is not a form of stubbornness or defiance. It is also not a result of trauma or a developmental disorder.
Symptoms[edit]
Children with selective mutism often exhibit the following symptoms:
- Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations where there is an expectation for speaking (e.g., at school)
- The disturbance interferes with educational or occupational achievement or with social communication
- The duration of the disturbance is at least 1 month (not limited to the first month of school)
- Failure to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with, the spoken language required in the social situation
- The disturbance is not better accounted for by a communication disorder (e.g., stuttering) and does not occur exclusively during a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder.
Diagnosis[edit]
Selective mutism is diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A comprehensive evaluation should be conducted by a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about this disorder.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for selective mutism involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes the child, family, school professionals, and mental health professionals. Treatment options include behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and family therapy. Medication may also be used in conjunction with therapy.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
