Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a condition in which a person who is usually fluent in speech won't speak in specific situations. Selective mutism primarily affects children.

What is going on in the body?

The majority of people who exhibit selective mutism appear to have some type of acute situational anxiety\ \generalized anxiety disorder\ \ panic disorder \ \ post-traumatic stress disorder \ \phobias\ \ obsessive compulsive disorders \ ',CAPTION,'Anxiety Disorders');" onmouseout="return nd();">anxiety disorder. A person who has this condition usually has a full understanding of language in most situations. In other cases, though, they appear as if they have a total lack of language where one would expect oral speech, such as in school. This condition may extend over a period of time, at least 1 to 2 months and longer. This occurs in the absence of any specific medical problem that may prevent speech.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The cause of selective mutism is not clear. Possible causes include: