Selective mutism due to a dog bite trauma in a 4-year-old girl: a case report

Dimitrios Anyfantakis,Evangelos Mplevrakis,Ioannis Arbiros,Emmanouil Botzakis,Emmanouil K Symvoulakis

doi:10.1186/1752-1947-3-100

Dimitrios Anyfantakis, Evangelos Mplevrakis + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-100

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Abstract

IntroductionA child experiencing an event of threatening or catastrophic nature may experience considerable post-traumatic psychological distress. Dog bites present an important public health problem and are a frequent cause of physical trauma in children. Physicians who manage paediatric trauma may not be vigilant of the high risk of psychological stress in children exposed to a physical injury.Case presentationA 4-year-old white girl of Greek origin, with a dog-bite related trauma was admitted to the University Hospital of Crete, Greece, for surgical repair and intravenous antibiotic therapy due to extensive lesions. Exposure to the traumatic event triggered the onset of an unusual psychological response, selective mutism and acute post-traumatic stress disorder.ConclusionThere is limited literature discussing the psychological effect of dog bites in children. Parents and physicians involved in pediatric physical trauma need to be more familiar with post-traumatic behavioral reactions. Awareness of the potential development of such reactions may result in early detection and effective management of children at risk.

Highlights

A child experiencing an event of threatening or catastrophic nature may experience considerable post-traumatic psychological distress
Phenomena that involve serious injuries and produce intense fear, helplessness, or horror may result in many symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [1]
Dog bites represent a frequent cause of physical trauma among children [3]

Summary

Conclusion

The issue of childhood psychological distress after dog bites has not been extensively reported in the literature. This case report highlights the necessity of health professional and parental awareness of post-traumatic psychiatric morbidity in children subsequent to a physical trauma. Having knowledge of these disorders may be helpful in the early detection of children at risk and to coordinate effective counseling, psychological support and followup. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient's next-of-kin for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal

Introduction

Discussion

Findings

American Psychiatric Association