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Elective mutism: an analysis of 100 cases
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zürich, Switzerland.
Summary
Elective mutism (EM) is a rare childhood disorder typically starting in preschool, more common in girls. This study details common features and risk factors in 100 children with EM.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Elective mutism (EM) is a rare childhood disorder.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding its typical presentation and associated factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clinically analyze an extended series of 100 children diagnosed with elective mutism (EM).
- To identify and describe the most common features of EM in affected children.
- To enhance the understanding of this rare childhood disorder.
Main Methods:
- Clinical analysis of 100 children with elective mutism (EM).
- Inclusion of referred and non-referred child psychiatric samples.
- Utilized comprehensive item sheets and the Child Behavior Checklist for the non-referred sample.
Main Results:
- Elective mutism (EM) is rare in referred samples, typically beginning in preschool, and more prevalent in girls.
- Commonly associated with migration, early developmental risks, premorbid speech/language issues, and infancy/preschool behavioral abnormalities.
- Children with EM often do not speak in school or around unfamiliar people, exhibiting shyness, internalizing behaviors, and frequent comorbid diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- This study provides extensive data on the typical characteristics of elective mutism (EM).
- Identified features extend the current understanding of this rare childhood disorder.
- Highlights the importance of considering associated risk factors and comorbidities.