SYSTEMATIC ASSESSMENT OF 50 CHILDREN WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM

Objective: To clarify the diagnostic significance of selective mutism (elective mutism in DSM-III-R). Method: Fifty children with selective mutism were evaluated systematically by means of semistructured clinic al interviews and rating scales to obtain detailed diagnostic informat ion. Results: All 50 children met DSM-III-R criteria for social phobia or avoidant disorder and 24 (48%) had additional anxiety disorders. C linical measures of anxiety and behavioral symptoms supported the pres ence of anxiety disorders as a characteristic of selectively mute chil dren, Only one case each of oppositional defiant disorder and attentio n-deficit hyperactivity disorder was found. Conclusions: Persistent se lective mutism typically presents in the context of anxiety disorders.