Sertraline treatment of 5 children diagnosed with selective mutism: A single-case research trial

In this single-case research study, we examined the efficacy and acceptabil ity of sertraline treatment in children diagnosed with selective mutism. We utilized a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sertraline within a r eplicated multiple baseline/across participants research design (n = 2; n = 3). Multiple methods of assessment involving across-setting informants wer e completed repeatedly throughout the 16-week study. Follow-up data was col lected at 4 and 20 weeks poststudy. Assessment measures failed to demonstra te group changes in mutism, anxiousness, and shyness. All individuals reali zed considerable improvement on some of these variables. Two of the five pa rticipants no longer met diagnostic criteria for selective mutism following less than 10 weeks of 100 mg sertraline treatment. A third participant was reported asymptomatic at 20 weeks poststudy. Treatment compliance was high . Parent treatment acceptability ratings were highly favorable. Single-case research methodology has considerable clinical utility in the medication t reatment of selective mutism. Frequent and repeated measurement across phas es helped to highlight varying levels of participant improvement across sit uationally specific settings. Additional investigation of the use of select ive serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating selective mutism is warranted .