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Prevalence and description of selective mutism in a school-based sample
R Lindsey Bergman1, John Piacentini, James T McCracken
1Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA. lbergman@ucla.edu
Summary
Selective mutism (SM) affects 0.71% of young students. Children with SM show more social anxiety and impairment, with some improvement over time but continued difficulties, indicating intervention is beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Selective mutism (SM) is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations.
- Previous research has not fully established the prevalence of SM in school-aged children.
- Understanding the impact of SM on children's functioning is crucial for effective support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of selective mutism in a public school setting.
- To compare the symptoms and overall functioning of children with SM to their unaffected peers.
- To assess changes in functioning and symptoms over a six-month period.
Main Methods:
- Teachers in a large school district identified students meeting DSM-IV criteria for SM.
- Teachers completed standardized ratings on social anxiety, speech frequency, internalizing/externalizing symptoms, and overall functioning for children with SM and a matched comparison group.
- Ratings were reassessed for children with SM after six months.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of SM was found to be 0.71% among kindergarten, first, and second graders.
- Children with SM exhibited significantly higher levels of social anxiety, internalizing symptoms, and overall functional impairment compared to peers.
- While some improvement was observed after six months, children with SM continued to show significant impairment.
Conclusions:
- Selective mutism may be more prevalent in school populations than previously estimated.
- Children with SM experience notable functional impairments that persist over time.
- Early intervention for selective mutism is recommended over a wait-and-see approach due to ongoing difficulties.