title: Application of a web-based cognitive-behavioural therapy programme for the treatment of selective mutism in Singapore: a case series study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Selective mutism (SM) is characterised by limited or a lack of speech in selected social settings. Recent reviews suggest that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective and promising treatment approach for SM. However, there is still a lack of studies documenting the applicability of CBT for SM in diverse populations. The goal of the present study was to examine the use of a web-based CBT programme ('Meeky Mouse') among Singaporean children diagnosed with SM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five children with SM (one boy and four girls aged 6-11 years) participated in the 14-week 'Meeky Mouse' programme, in addition to being prescribed with an unchanged dosage of fluoxetine 10-20 mg daily. The progress made by the children throughout the course of the programme was documented by the therapist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Post treatment, four out of the five children demonstrated improvements in the frequency of speech during therapy sessions at home, in school and at other social situations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings from the present study provide support for the use of a web-based CBT programme in improving speech and decreasing the severity of SM among affected children.
authors: Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Switzerland. Yoon_Phaik_Ooi@imh.com.sg
authors: Yoon Phaik
authors: YP
authors: Ooi
authors: Malini
authors: M
authors: Raja
authors: Sharon Cohan
authors: SC
authors: Sung
authors: Daniel S S
authors: DS
authors: Fung
authors: Jessie B K
authors: JB
authors: Koh
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009155:Mutism / Q000628:therapy*; D012846:Singapore; D012931:Social Environment; D013060:Speech; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface
chemical_list: D005473:Fluoxetine