The Heterogeneity of Selective Mutism: A Primer for a More Refined Approach

Authors

Christopher A. Kearney, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Melanie Rede, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-10-2021

Publication Title

Frontiers in Psychology

Volume

12

First page number:

1

Last page number:

7

Abstract

Selective mutism is a persistent and debilitating psychiatric disorder in which a child fails to speak in situations where speaking is expected. Although listed as an anxiety disorder, the multifaceted and heterogeneous nature of selective mutism indicates that a more accurate conceptualization may be as a neurodevelopmental disorder. This article serves as a primer of historical and clinical presentations, empirical clinical profiles, clinical distinctions, assessment, and treatment related to the complexity of selective mutism. The article includes a brief discussion of selective mutism within a developmental psychopathology perspective with an eye toward reformed efforts for prevention, assessment, and treatment regarding this population.

Keywords

Anxiety disorder; Developmental psychopathology; Neurodevelopmental disorder; Profiles; Selective mutism

Disciplines

Child Psychology | Clinical Psychology

File Format

pdf

File Size

214 KB

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Repository Citation

Kearney, C., Rede, M. (2021). The Heterogeneity of Selective Mutism: A Primer for a More Refined Approach. Frontiers in Psychology, 12 1-7.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.700745