Selective mutism: Treatment modalities in view of three cases

Abstract

Selective mutism is one of the rarely seen childhood psychiatric disorders. Papers re¬garding its diagnosis, presenting clinical symptomatology and its treatment have been increasing. Yet the studies concerning it's psychopharmacological treatment and comor-btdtty with mental retardation are somewhat limited. In this study three male patients, six and a half, seven and seventeen years old, referred to child psychiatry clinic at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, diagnosed as selective mutism, were discussed in detail, with clinical characteristics, preferred medications and supportive therapy for each case. Effectiveness qfjluoxetine was remarkable, these and other therapeutic is¬sues are discussed in the light of literature.

Özet

Qocukluk gagmin ender gdriilen bozukluklanndan olan selektif muttzmin tanisi, klinik goriinumlert ve tedavlsl ile tlgili yayinlar giderek artmaktadir. Bu yayinlardan gok azinda bozuklukta kullamlan llag tedavileri sunulmaktadir. Selektif mutlzme eslik eden zeka geriligi olgularimn bildlrlldlgl kaynaklar da smirli sayidadir. Bu yazi Gazi Unlversitesi Tip Fakültesi çocuk Psiklyatrisi polikllniglne başvuran hastalardan selektif mutizm tamsi olan alti buguk, yedive onyedi yaşindakt tig erkek hasta degerlendlrilerek klinik ozel-llkleri He uygulanan Hag ve destekleyici tedavilerln ilk sonuglan tarti§dacaktir. Qalisdan bu ilg olguda dajluoksetlnin etkinligi onemli bulunmuş olup, yazin işiginda tartişilmistir.