title: A brief review of selective mutism literature.
abstract: Selective mutism is a disorder characterized by a persistent failure to speak in certain social situations. It is typically diagnosed in childhood, and the disorder can last from just a few months to several years in some individuals. Debate surrounds the origins and causes of this disorder. Recent literature suggests that selective mutism may be a form of social phobia. The present article is a brief review of the literature on the etiology, assessment, comorbid diagnoses, and treatment perspectives from several theoretical orientations, including behavioral, family systems, and psychopharmacological.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Psychology, University of North Dakota, USA. valerie_krysanski@und.nodak.edu
authors.forename: Valerie L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Krysanski
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009155:Mutism / Q000523:psychology*