Selective Mutism Analysis

“The Current State of Empirical Support for the Pharmacological Treatment of Selective Mutism”

The article, “The Current State of Empirical Support for the Pharmacological Support of Selecive Mutism”, identifies a specific psychological disorder which is called selective mutism. Selective mutism is a rare disorder which occurs during childhood which inhibits a child’s ability to speak in an uncomfortable environment. This environment for such instances most commonly occurs in school classrooms. Selective mutism typically impact children between ages of three and six as they face anxiety from leaving the comfort of an adult or guardian. Some common traits which children with selective mutism exhibit include excessive shyness, anxiety, social withdrawal, oppositional behavior, difficulty leaving their parents, and fear of being embarrassed in their social environment. Selective mutism has been commonly linked with social anxiety because of the common behavioral symptoms which they share. Controlled studies indicate that people who had selective mutism often display difficulty in social situations as they feel discomfort opening up. Adults who also had a past with selective mutism continued to display
Typically, they assist in assessment, intervention, and consultation of the disease. Evaluations must be made in a school setting in order to develop a treatment plan for each child’s specific needs. Psychologists are essential part because they can educate families in treatment which may include both psychological therapy and medication. In conjunction, they can also evaluate the child’s response to such treatments. Lastly, psychologists can provide and recommend the treatment which is most safe for each child especially in a time where these medications have received warning as part of an effort to have each child’s social barrier from selective mutism