17-year-old Selective Mutism Case without Treatment for A Long Time

Abstract

Selective mutism is a rare childhood anxiety disorder characterized by the inability to speak in certain social situations in which speech is expected, despite speaking fluently in other situations. The average age of onset for selective mutism is 2 to 5 years old, but symptoms may not be noticed until starting school. The cause is still not known and the prevalence varies between 0.03% and 1%. Psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic approaches are recommended in the treatment. Although the treatment is difficult, early diagnosis is one of the good prognostic factors. In this case report, we aimed to discuss the psychiatric and sociocultural functionality of a 17-year-old adolescent with selective mutism. Our case is remarkable as she has not been treated for many years. Her treatment continues with psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. Recognition of selective mutism and getting support on this issue will help to solve the problem.

Keywords

• selective mutism
• treatment
• adolescent

Uzun Süredir Tedavisiz Kalan 17 Yaşındaki Selektif Mutizm Olgusu

Abstract

Selektif mutizm, başka durumlarda akıcı konuşmaya rağmen, konuşmanın beklendiği belirli sosyal durumlarda konuşamama ile karakterize, nadir görülen bir çocukluk çağı anksiyete bozukluğudur. Selektif mutizm için ortalama başlangıç yaşı 2 ila 5 yaş arasındadır, ancak çocuklar okula başlayana kadar semptomlar fark edilmeyebilir. Nedeni tam olarak bilinmemektedir; yaygınlığı %0,03 ile %1 arasında değişmektedir. Tedavisinde psikofarmakoloji ve psikoterapötik yaklaşımlar önerilmektedir. Tedavisi güç olmakla birlikte erken tanı iyi prognostik faktörlerden biridir. Bu olgu sunumunda, selektif mutizmli 17 yaşındaki bir ergenin psikiyatrik ve sosyokültürel işlevselliğini tartışmayı amaçladık. Olgumuz uzun yıllar tedavi edilmediği için dikkat çeken bir vaka olma özelliğine sahiptir. Tedavisi psikofarmakolojik ve psikoterapötik girişimlerle devam etmektedir. Selektif mutizmin fark edilmesi ve bu konuyla ilgili destek alınması sorunun çözümüne fayda sağlayacaktır.

Keywords

• selektif mutizm
• tedavi
• ergen

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