Current treatment involves behavior changes, family participation, and the child's school. Certain medications that treat anxiety and social phobia have been used safely and successfully.

For more information and resources, see selective mutism support groups.

Children with this syndrome can have different outcomes. Some may need to continue therapy for shyness and social anxiety into the teenage years, and possibly into adulthood.

Selective mutism can affect the child's ability to function in school or social settings. Without treatment, symptoms may get worse.

Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of selective mutism, and it is affecting school and social activities.

Review Date: 02/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Michelle Benger Merrill, MD, Instructor in Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)