When the Words Just Won't Come Out
Doctors are increasingly finding that extreme shyness in children may actually
be a symptom of a treatable anxiety disorder known as selective mutism. Elisa
Shipon-Blum, D.O,. executive director and medical director for the Selective
Mutism Group-Childhood Anxiety Network, answers some of the common questions
about the condition.
What is selective mutism?
Selective mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by
a child’s inability to speak in select social settings, such as school.
These children are able to talk normally in settings where they are comfortable,
secure and relaxed. Although the etiology of selective mutism is varied, the
majority of cases are due to several anxiety, specifically social phobia.
Why does a child develop selective mutism?
The majority of children have a genetic predisposition to anxiety. Very often,
these children show signs of severe anxiety, such as separation anxiety, frequent
tantrums and crying, moodiness, inflexibility, sleep problems and extreme shyness
from infancy on. Because most of these children have a persistent fear of performance
or social interaction, they have developed "mutism" as a means of
controlling their inner anxiety.
When are most children diagnosed as having selective mutism?
The average age of diagnosis is between 3 to 8 years old. These children were
probably mute before school age, but just seemed " very shy." It is
not until children enter school that selective mutism becomes blatantly obvious.
If a parent suspects his/her child has selective mutism, what shoud be done?
Speak to your physician and/or seek out a psychiatrist or psychologist who
has experience with selective mutism. Read as much as you can about the disorder.
How is selective mutism treated?
The main goal with treatment is to lower anxiety while increasing self-esteem.
A professional should devise an "individualized treatment plan" for
each child, consisting of psychotherapy, medication, school involvement and
other methodologies.
To learn more, visit the Selective Mutism Group-Childhood Anxiety Network’s
Web site at www.selectivemutism.org.
Information provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.