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Examining a novel, parent child interaction therapy-informed, behavioral treatment of selective mutism

Rosalind Catchpole1, Arlene Young2, Susan Baer1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Canada; Outpatient Psychiatry Department, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Canada.

Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|July 28, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study found that a new therapy combining Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and behavioral techniques effectively treated selective mutism (SM) in children. Treatment gains in speaking and reduced anxiety were maintained one year later.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Behavioral Therapy
  • Pediatric Mental Health

Background:

  • Selective Mutism (SM) is a childhood anxiety disorder.
  • Effective treatments for SM are crucial for child development.
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) principles combined with behavioral techniques offer a novel therapeutic approach.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a new therapy for children with selective mutism (SM).
  • The therapy integrates Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) principles with behavioral techniques.
  • Assessing treatment effectiveness and maintenance of gains in children aged 4-10.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 31 children (aged 4-10) diagnosed with SM received 16 weekly sessions of the integrated therapy.
  • Assessments were conducted at baseline, pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 3-month and 1-year follow-ups.
  • The study included a waitlist period and achieved high retention rates (93%) for follow-up assessments.

Main Results:

  • Significant and large gains (Cohen's d = 1.80) in speaking behaviors were observed from pre- to post-treatment.
  • These improvements were maintained at 3-month and 1-year follow-ups.
  • Statistically significant reductions in child anxiety (parent/teacher reports) and improvements in speaking to unfamiliar adults were noted, with high parent satisfaction.

Conclusions:

  • The integrated PCIT-SM therapy demonstrates significant efficacy in treating selective mutism in children aged 4-10.
  • Treatment gains are robust and maintained long-term.
  • The findings support the use of this combined approach as an effective intervention for pediatric SM.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnxietyBehavior therapyInterventionParent-child interactionSelective mutism

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