The controversy around the diagnosis of selective mutism – a critical analysis of three cases in the light of modern research and diagnostic criteria

Holka-Pokorska, Justyna; Piróg-Balcerzak, Agnieszka; Jarema, Marek

doi:10.12740/pp/76088

Cited by 16 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…So far, the evidence for the relationship between SM and ASD is based on clinical reports (e.g., Holka-Pokorska et al 2018 ) and a restricted number of empirical studies that have been conducted by researchers who went beyond the current classification criteria to explore the co-occurrence (Klein et al 2019 ; Steffenburg et al 2018 ) and/or hypothesized shared biological or psychological features of both disorders (Cholemkery et al 2014 ; Stein et al 2011 ; Nowakowski et al 2011 ). Obviously, we need more clinical studies as well as large-scale epidemiological research to get a better picture of the actual comorbidity of these disorders.…”

Section: Clinical and Research Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The cases of Ibi and Leo nicely illustrate what we view as the clinical trinity of abnormal social behavior, which consists of SM, SAD, and ASD. The key point that we want to make in this review is that SM, at least in some children diagnosed with this condition, is more than just an anxiety disorder and SAD in particular, but that ASD-related features be present as well (Holka-Pokorska et al 2018 ). The structure of this review is as follows.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Selective Mutism and Its Relations to Social Anxiety Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Muris

Ollendick

2021

Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev

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In current classification systems, selective mutism (SM) is included in the broad anxiety disorders category. Indeed, there is abundant evidence showing that anxiety, and social anxiety in particular, is a prominent feature of SM. In this article, we point out that autism spectrum problems in addition to anxiety problems are sometimes also implicated in SM. To build our case, we summarize evidence showing that SM, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are allied clinical conditions and share communalities in the realm of social difficulties. Following this, we address the role of a prototypical class of ASD symptoms, restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBIs), which are hypothesized to play a special role in the preservation and exacerbation of social difficulties. We then substantiate our point that SM is sometimes more than an anxiety disorder by addressing its special link with ASD in more detail. Finally, we close by noting that the possible involvement of ASD in SM has a number of consequences for clinical practice with regard to its classification, assessment, and treatment of children with SM and highlight a number of directions for future research.

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Section: Clinical and Research Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Selective Mutism and Its Relations to Social Anxiety Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Muris

Ollendick

2021

Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev

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“…Those with both selective mutism and autism spectrum disorder were characterized by later onset of symptoms and older age at diagnosis; a history of speech delay, and borderline IQ or intellectual disability were more common. The authors concluded that the results highlight the risk of overlap between autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism [ 5 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rolandic Epilepsy – A Silent Enemy. An Instructive Case

Cohen¹,

Shuper²

2021

Cureus

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A child is described who was followed in our clinic due to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and was found to have the following list of diagnoses: mild developmental delay, motor tics, learning disability, selective mutism and autistic-like features. These disorders became manifest and were diagnosed over a period of several years in the above-noted order. He never had seizures. Medical evaluation, which was initiated due to his learning disability, was negative. The last test which was done was EEG, and this revealed a very active picture compatible with Rolandic epilepsy. Eventually, this was the key for the understanding of his whole clinical picture. It is suggested that in children with learning disability, the possibility of having seizure-free Rolandic epilepsy be considered early in the course of evaluation.

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“…This caused two important changes in the interpretation of the symptoms of selective mutism. It highlighted anxious etiology of the disorder and open the possibility to diagnose selective mutism in adults as a special category of anxiety disorders [3]. Selective mutism (SM) is a relatively rare disorder [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Scoping Review of Treatment of Selective Mutism in Children and Adolescents in the Last 5 Years

Abudawoud¹

2022

IJRPR

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Introduction : Selective mutism (SM) characterized by the consistent absence of speaking in specific situations, while adequately speaking in other situations. SM can have a debilitating impact on the psychosocial and academic functioning in childhood. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the recommended approach for SM. Methods:A database research was performed to identify all relevant articles on the Treatment of selective mutism in children and adolescent patients in the last 5 years (from 2017 to 2022). Results:5 Articles were revealed by our literature research after exclusion the Articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: The psychological and the Pharmacological treatment for selective mutism was supported with these findings, while combination treatment generally limits the evidence. The potential involvement of autism spectrum disorder in SM has implications for clinical practice when treating children with SM. The intricacy of the etiology of SM makes a multimodal approach to diagnosis and treatment highly recommended. The identification of various illnesses with different etiologies and courses may sometimes begin with the diagnosis of selective mutism as a preliminary diagnostic. In people with selective mutism, developmental disorders and some other diseases frequently coincide.

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The controversy around the diagnosis of selective mutism – a critical analysis of three cases in the light of modern research and diagnostic criteria

Cited by 16 publications

References 22 publications

Selective Mutism and Its Relations to Social Anxiety Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Selective Mutism and Its Relations to Social Anxiety Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Rolandic Epilepsy – A Silent Enemy. An Instructive Case

Scoping Review of Treatment of Selective Mutism in Children and Adolescents in the Last 5 Years

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