A person with selective mutism (SM) struggles with a sudden loss of the ability to speak. To be precise, this mental health condition is typically caused by the anxiety or fear an individual experiences when in certain social situations. Conversely, someone affected with this condition isn’t simply shy, bashful, or timid as they have an actual anxiety disorder.
Exploring Selective Mutism
Overall, SM is a rare anxiety disorder as it affects fewer than 1% of all age groups in the global population. Typically, children get this disorder around 5 years old or during early childhood education. While children are more likely to get this condition, teenagers and adults are susceptible to getting this anxiety disorder despite having a low diagnosis rate.
Notable, women or individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) have a higher risk of developing SM than men or those assigned male at birth (AMAB). According to the Selective Mutism Association located in Trinity, Florida, women or AFAB individuals have twice as many affected individuals than men and AMAB. However, societal stereotypes or biases surrounding verbal communication based on children’s sex given at birth may influence this disparity.
SM Spectrum
As an official anxiety disorder, it must be understood that someone with this condition isn’t refusing to speak by choice. On the contrary, these individuals have overwhelming anxiety or fear disrupting their speaking ability. This means a person with this condition can communicate without issues once in a more comfortable environment.
Different individuals who exhibit SM may experience a range of various verbal communication problems. For instance, a person who struggles with this disorder typically falls into a spectrum between having no ability to speak or having limited communication abilities. What’s more? Specific behaviors a person exhibits may determine the condition’s intensity overall.
Behavioral Patterns of SM
Along with losing their ability to speak, a person with SM may appear immobile, freeze, or stiffen their posture. Other distinct behaviors they may have are blank facial expressions and avoiding eye contact. Since they frequently avoid social interactions, they’re often neglected of any necessities due to an inability to request them. In extreme cases, they may engage in disruptive behavior to get around communicating altogether.
Alternatively, some individuals resort to nonverbal clues to communicate more effectively. Usually, they utilize recognized vocal patterns such as “un-huh” or “uh-uh,” convey messages with their hands, or write down their responses. Even gestures like nodding, head-shaking, or exhibiting certain facial expressions can help this individual communicate without relying on their words.
On the other hand, someone with SM can still have some communication ability even though they’re limited. For instance, this person may be known for whispering, mumbling, stuttering, or giving brief single-word or slowed responses. Additionally, others may alter their pitch or tone of voice to communicate, making their speech sound unnatural to a listener.
Risk Factors
Although researchers are still determining what causes this anxiety disorder, they’ve identified certain risk factors contributing to its development. Particularly, those affected also seem to have numerous mental health conditions that accompany it. For example, it’s estimated that over 75% of those with SM have social anxiety disorder. Moreover, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, autism spectrum disorder, and separation anxiety can play a significant role in its development as well.
Generally, genetics and history play a part in someone developing an anxiety disorder. Precisely, an individual with this condition usually has an immediate family member affected with selective mutism or another anxiety disorder. What’s more? Children tend to develop SM due to conditions affecting their communication. Specifically, they may have learning degrees or an auditory processing disorder as potential triggers. Even fluency or speech disorders like stuttering can be a risk factor among these children.
Besides mental health disorders, children may struggle with self-confidence and be embarrassed by how they sound to other people. Other social factors increasing children’s risk of developing SM include bullying, experiencing trauma, abuse, family issues, or immigrating to a place that speaks another language. By considering all these factors, researchers can understand SM better to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Final Thoughts
With proper treatment, an individual can effectively manage or overcome their condition, especially when caught early. However, although SM isn’t a fatal health condition, an individual who delays or refuses treatment may become worse. When untreated, they may develop depression, anxiety, social, educational, and professional challenges, or severe loneliness. Thus, if it’s suspected that an individual, particularly a child, is impacted, they should get help immediately as early intervention gives them the best chance at getting the best possible treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
