Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder characterized by an inability to speak in social situations, despite comfortably speaking in familiar situations (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). To date, research has demonstrated the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) models, including both weekly CBT and intensive group behavioral treatment for younger children with SM. However, no research has examined treatment options for older youth with SM. The present study sought to examine effectiveness of an intensive group behavioral treatment (IGBT) for older youth with SM by examining pretreatment to follow-up differences on primary (SM symptoms) and secondary outcomes (self-efficacy and social skills). Sixteen youth, ages 10–17, with a primary diagnosis of SM engaged in a 5-day IGBT. Results indicated statistically significant reductions in parent- and self-reported SM symptoms from pretreatment to follow-up (2 months and 5 months into the following school year), as well as statistically significant improvements in self-reported self-efficacy and social skills from pretreatment to follow-up. These findings provide empirical support for the preliminary effectiveness of IGBT for older youth with SM and reveal information about the unique clinical profile of this subset of the population.
Read full abstract