Fluoxetine treatment of children with selective mutism: an open trial.
OBJECTIVE
A pilot study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fluoxetine treatment for children with selective mutism (elective mutism in DSM-III-R).


METHODS
Twenty-one children (mean age 8.2 years, range 5 through 14) participated in a 9-week open trial of fluoxetine in graduated doses (mean end dose 28.1 mg, range 10 to 60 mg) with systematic baseline and outcome evaluations and weekly clinical assessment.


RESULTS
All 21 children met DSM-III-R and DSM-IV criteria for anxiety disorders. After fluoxetine treatment, 76% were improved, with diminished anxiety and increased speech in public settings, including school. Improvement at week 9 was inversely correlated with age.


CONCLUSIONS
Persistent selective mutism presenting with comorbid anxiety disorders may respond to fluoxetine treatment.
Dummit
E S
ES
New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA.
Klein
R G
RG
Tancer
N K
NK
Asche
B
B
Martin
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009155:Mutism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005473:Fluoxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors