Selective mutism can be defined as mental health condition where a person is not in position to take important decisions as they suffer from anxiety. Usually, it occurs in children but can also be seen in adolescents and adults.
Is Selective Mutism Common
This condition is rare and it can be said that it is found in less than 1% of people. In children, it can begin from the age of 5 and continue in adult age too. Generally, it is seen that selective mutism affects women more as compared to men.
Once diagnosed in children or adults, cure is available for selective mutism and should be taken accordingly.
Symptoms of Selective Mutism
Cure for any medical or other condition can be undertaken when symptoms are understood and analyzed. In case of selective mutism, the symptoms can be as follow:
Near Inability to Communicate
At times, a child or adult suffering from selective mutism can feel inability to communicate. While they may be having words to say, for the fear or anxiety they are unable to communicate. In such cases, it is seen that the person avoids eye contact or avoids any kind of social interaction with others.
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Non-Verbal Communication
Children or adults who suffer from selective mutism also indulge in non-verbal communication. You will see that such people will use signs and symbols of non- verbal, communication when they are in situation where expression is required.
They could also think about communicating what they feel in writing rather than speaking it out clearly.
Minimal and Reduced Communication
Such people also indulge in minimal and reduced communication in the way that they would spell out the details in brief even in situations when something is required to be detailed. They would use one or two words for expressing what they feel and anything that requires detailing is usually out of bound for them and such people would rather prompt others to speak out.
What Causes Selective Mutism
While there could be many causes for this problem, some of the identified and researched ones include:
- Mental Health Condition
- Family History
- Social Circumstances
Mental Health Condition
At times, a child develops phobia or fear for something due to multiple reasons. This creates anxiety in them and it translates in way they behave or express things and facts when given the opportunity.
Being separated from their friends in early childhood also results in selective mutism and children also go silent.
Family History
At times child has seen some trauma in family or the scenario is such where family members do not talk with each other too much. In such cases, children lose the ability to communicate and become numb. This has an effect on their personality and they lose the power of expression.
Social Circumstances
Suffering from bullying during childhood or having been witness to any traumatic event also has its effect on the child and they begin to show signs of selective mutism.
The condition of selective mutism is a medical disorder and should be seen so. Help from a medical professional would work in early eradication of this problem and should be undertaken in all such cases.
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