Introduction

Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable t o speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they don't see very often.

It usually starts during childhood and, left untreated, can persist into adulthood.

A child or adult with selective mutism doesn't refuse or choose not to speak, they're literally unable to speak.

The expectation to talk to certain people triggers a freeze response with feelings of panic, rather like a bad case of stage fright, and talking is impossible.

In time, the person will learn to anticipate the situations that provoke this distressing reaction and do all they can to avoid them.

However, people with selective mutism are able to speak freely to certain people, such asclose family and friends, when nobody else is around to trigger the freeze response.

Selective mutism affects about1 in 140 young children. It's more common in girls and children who are learning a second language, such as those who've recently migrated from their country of birth.

This page covers the following areas:

Selective mutism

What causes selective mutism?

Diagnosing selective mutism

Associated difficulties

Treating selective mutism

Advice for parents

Getting help and support

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 20 Jan 2017