described as neurological disorders or in other terms. Agoraphobia Generalized anxiety disorder Panic disorder Selective mutism Separation anxiety disorder Specific The following is a list of mental disorders as defined at any point by any of the two most prominent systems of classification of mental disorders, namely the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). A mental disorder, also known as a mental illness, mental health condition, or psychiatric disorder, is characterized by a pa Agoraphobia Generalized anxiety disorder Panic disorder Selective mutism Separation anxiety disorder Specific phobia Social anxiety disorder Anxiety due to another medical condition Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder Other specified anxiety disorder Unspecified anxiety disorder

Selective mutism (SM) is a childhood behavioral disorder characterized by the inability to speak in one or more situations despite speaking in other situations. Selective mutism is included under anxiety disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Many studies have demonstrated the relationship between severe social anxiety and the extreme reluctance or inability to speak in people with SM. These cases are often diagnosed through research in school-going children; data on adult periods are very limited. Symptoms related to social anxiety are also frequently observed in the families of children with SM. This situation is remarkable in terms of the genetic aspect of psychiatry. Adult patients with SM are often hidden among the symptoms of psychotic disorders. It can be recognized with a more detailed anamnesis of the patients, especially with their childhood history. In this study, a case who was treated with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder for many years and was found to have a diagnosis of SM during follow-up is presented in the light of literature findings. Our study may raise awareness in terms of drawing attention to the issue of SM, which is overlooked in childhood and hidden among other psychotic disorders in adulthood. Cite this article as: Cetin Sayer M, Hocaoglu C. Selective mutism in adults: A case study. Neuropsychiatr Invest. 2023;61(4):122-124.

Selective mutism is a highly debilitating anxiety disorder that is characterized by a child’s lack of verbal speech in certain situations, despite having the ability to speak (Elizur & Perednik, 2003). Children with selective mutism may present with a variety of symptoms, including high levels of anxiety and isolation, which significantly impacts their social andlanguage development, educational and occupational achievement, and mental health (Elizur & Perednik, 2003). Children who are diagnosed with selective mutism in early childhood often have communication or cognitive difficulties and may

conditions include: Social anxiety disorder . This is extremely common in people who have SM. Experts estimate that 75% to 100% of people with SM also have this.   Phobias . Other anxiety disorders. Autism spectrum disorder . Separation anxiety . Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . Family history or genetics Anxiety disorders can run in families. People with SM are much more likely to have a first-degree relative (a parent, sibling or child) with SM or another anxiety disorder. Other communication disorders Some children develop SM because of anxiety related to how they talk or how well they understand others (like from auditory processing disorders or learning delays). Children can also develop SM because of speech disorders (like stuttering or other forms of fluency disorder ). Some children develop SM because they don’t like their voice or feel anxious about how they sound. Advertisement Social circumstances Children with certain social factors or circumstances are more likely to develop SM. These include: Being bullied. Traumatic events or abuse. Family problems (such as emotional, verbal or physical violence in the home). Immigrating to a place with a different primary language. What are the complications of selective mutism? SM can negatively affect your life in many ways. These can include: Social difficulties, loneliness or isolation. Developing other anxiety-related conditions or symptoms. Impacts on academic achievement or work performance. Diagnosis and Tests How is selective mutism diagnosed? A mental health provider, like a psychiatrist or psychologist , will usually diagnose SM. Other providers, especially speech-language pathologists or speech therapists , may rule out other conditions to help with the diagnosis. A provider makes this diagnosis based on symptoms and behaviors. They’ll ask questions about your (or your child’s) experiences and other factors that could contribute to this condition. Your provider will typically use screening questio

skills 344; Anxiety disorders 344; Attachment disorders and separation anxiety 345; Selective mutism 345; … 388; Anxiety 388; Specific anxiety disorders 388; Body dysmorphic disorder 388; Generalized anxiety disorder … Delusions 245: Thought disorder 245; Anxiety and depression 246; Anxiety-related disorders 247; Social phobia