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Selective mutism - Treatment

Treatment:

Current treatment involves behavior changes, family participation, and the child's school. Certain medications that treat anxiety and social phobia have been used safely and successfully.

Support Groups:

For more information and resources, see selective mutism support groups.

Expectations (prognosis):

Children with this syndrome can have different outcomes. Some may need to continue therapy for shyness and social anxiety into the teenage years, and possibly into adulthood.

Complications:

Selective mutism can affect the child's ability to function in school or social settings. Without treatment, symptoms may get worse.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of selective mutism, and it is affecting school and social activities.

Reviewed last on: 2/28/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Michelle Benger Merrill, MD, Instructor in Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Stafford B, Boris NW, Dalton R. Anxiety disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 24.

Simms MD, Schum RL. Language development and communication disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 32.2.

Victor AM, Bernstein GA. Anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder update. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2009;32:57-69.

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