Se. Dummit et al., FLUOXETINE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM - AN OPEN TRIAL, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 35(5), 1996, pp. 615-621
Objective: A pilot study was designed to evaluate the safety and effic
acy of fluoxetine treatment for children with selective mutism (electi
ve mutism in DSM-III-R). Method: Twenty-one children (mean age 8.2 yea
rs, range 5 through 14) participated in a 9-week open trial of fluoxet
ine in graduated doses (mean end dose 28.1 mg, range 10 to 60 mg) with
systematic baseline and outcome evaluations and weekly clinical asses
sment. Results: All 21 children met DSM-III-R and DSM-IV criteria for
anxiety disorders. After fluoxetine treatment, 76% were improved, with
diminished anxiety and increased speech in public settings, including
school. Improvement at week 9 was inversely correlated with age. Conc
lusions: Persistent selective mutism presenting with comorbid anxiety
disorders may respond to fluoxetine treatment.