Comorbilidad del mutismo selectivo en la niñez

Abstract

The present bibliographical research defines selective Mutism as an infantile anxiety disorder characterized by the inability of a minor to speak and communicate appropriately in certain social environments, being able to speak normally in a safe and pleasant environment like at home. Its symptoms are the disappearance of speech capacity and a high level of shyness in certain situations or to unknown persons, this produces alterations in the family, social and academic life of the child. The disorder is more frequent in girls than in boys, the age of onset is between 2 and 5 years of age, beginning of the school stage. There is no determined cause, genetic, environmental, temperamental and neurodevelopmental factors play a key role in the development of this disorder. Children with selective mutism often have characteristics similar to social anxiety disorder, panic, and separation anxiety disorder. Therefore, the objective of this research work is to investigate the comorbidity of selective mutism in childhood, through the collection of theoretical information based on scientific articles and other sources. The conclusions of the work indicate that if the symptoms of selective mutism are maintained, not only an inability to speak will be manifested, physical and behavioral responses will be presented that will affect the development of the minor, social relations will worsen and they will be more likely to suffer a disorder of social anxiety in the future.