Diagnosis can include screening for the suspected condition with brain scans and observing other symptoms.
Organic mutism occurs because of causes like accidents or health issues like stroke, psychosis, or drug use.
Other types of mutism occur despite wanting to speak and might also include difficulty controlling movements.
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Antipsychotic and antianxiety drugs, along with recreational drugs, can increase the chances of living with organic mutism.
Treatment for mutism can include social skills therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy.
For organic mutism, speech therapy and physical therapy could be necessary.
Diagnosing mutism includes ruling out hearing issues, language barriers, and developmental disorders, including autism.
Language barriers for children who move to another country can also affect selective mutism.
People with autism can experience selective mutism.
This might include mindfulness exercises (letting scary emotions pass through the body without judgment) or breathing exercises.
Giving positive feedback for social successes while creating a socially supportive environment can also help.
Organic mutism, which is sparked by illness or brain injury, can be treated with speech therapy.
Selective mutism can include being able to socialize privately but finding it impossible to speak in public.
Adults and children with the disorder might prefer if others spoke for them or use signals to communicate.
Debilitating social anxiety and social phobias can also be a part of selective mutism.
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