Critical Review: Effective Treatment Methods for Children with Selective Mutism

This critical review examines optimal treatment methods for children with selective mutism (SM). Study designs include: case studies, and single group pre-post test. This review considers treatments including behavioural therapy, individual and family psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and those geared specifically to teachers to invoke change. Anxiety has been recognized as a major factor in the development of this disorder and consequently this should be considered when developing treatment methods. Often times both behavioural and individual therapies are employed allowing for a change of behaviour while addressing underlying anxiety. Pharmacotherapy has been successful in achieving a decrease in inhibition in social situations.