What are the symptoms of mutism? What is mutism disorder

Mutism is a language communication disorder characterized by persistent speech loss or extreme reduction. Patients typically have normal language abilities but actively choose to remain silent. Mutism may be caused by psychological or psychiatric disorders such as selective mutism, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism spectrum disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.

1. Selective mutism

is common in children, where patients are completely unable to speak in specific social situations, but can communicate normally in familiar environments. It may be related to social anxiety or developmental language disorders, manifested as physical stiffness and avoidance of eye contact when facing strangers or authoritative figures. Intervention should be combined with behavioral therapy and family support, gradually establishing a safe expression environment.

2. Post traumatic stress disorder

refers to defensive silence caused by major traumatic events, accompanied by flashback and increased alertness symptoms. Patients refuse verbal communication due to fear of reliving traumatic experiences, which is common among victims of violence or disaster survivors. Treatment requires trauma focused psychotherapy combined with stabilization techniques to rebuild a sense of security in verbal expression.

3. Autism spectrum disorder

is characterized by atypical silence caused by social communication deficits, often accompanied by stereotyped behavior. Patients may stop language output due to feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty understanding, manifested as sudden interruption of conversation or only responding with body language. Communication motivation needs to be improved through social story training and sensory integration therapy.

4. Depression

Mental motor suppression during severe depressive episodes, where patients become silent due to decreased willpower. Typical manifestations include slow speech, short answers, accompanied by loss of interest and fatigue. Antidepressants combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy are needed, with a focus on improving motivation and emotional states.

5. Schizophrenia

is a disorder of thinking that leads to poor speech, commonly seen in individuals with prominent negative symptoms. Patients may remain silent due to logical confusion or hallucinations, manifested as prolonged pauses and answering irrelevant questions. Antipsychotic medication combined with social skills training is needed to reduce the impact of thinking disorders on language function. Patients with mutism require stable communication support and a low stress environment. Family members should avoid being forced to speak and instead establish connections through non-verbal means such as drawing, writing, or gesture communication. Regular psychological assessments can help distinguish the causes, and personalized education programs should be developed in collaboration with schools for pediatric patients. Maintaining a regular schedule and moderate exercise have a positive effect on improving neural regulation function, and professional treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a psychiatrist when necessary.