Group therapy for selective mutism - a parents' and children's treatment group.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of group therapy for children with selective mutism and their parents.


METHODS
Five children (mean age 6.1 years) with a diagnosis of selective mutism were administered group therapy over an 8-week period. Parents simultaneously attended a second group, aimed at providing education and advice on managing selective mutism in everyday situations, and in the school environment.


RESULTS
At post-treatment, all children increased their level of confident speaking in school, clinic and community settings. Parents indicated a reduction in their own anxiety levels, from pre- to post-treatment on self-rating scales.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of group therapy for children with selective mutism and their parents.
Sharkey
Louise
L
Lucena Clinic, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland. sharkeyl@iol.ie
Mc Nicholas
Fiona
F
Barry
Edwina
E
Begley
Maire
M
Ahern
Sinead
S
D000328:Adult; D001010:Anxiety, Separation / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009155:Mutism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D002666:Psychology, Child; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept; D013060:Speech; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome