Is there a medication that can help selective mutism?
Answer
There are medications that have been found to be beneficial. They are not “magic speaking pills.” What we have found is that SSRI’s, specifically Prozac, can be helpful in intervening with children with selective mutism. The way that I think about it is like providing water wings for children who are learning to swim. It keeps them afloat while they are learning the skills. Medication is not magic and it does not usually just make children start talking. It does provide them with a reduced enough anxiety level that they can take part in behavioral interventions and learn a new skill set.
Dr. Aimee Kotrba is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the expert assessment and treatment of Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety. She serves as the President of the Selective Mutism Group (SMG) Board of Directors and is a nationally recognized speaker offering local and national workshops on the identification and treatment of Selective Mutism for parents, professionals, and school personnel.
Aimee Kotrba, Ph.D.
Dr. Aimee Kotrba is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the expert assessment and treatment of Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety. She serves as the President of the Selective Mutism Group (SMG) Board of Directors and is a nationally recognized speaker offering local and national workshops on the identification and treatment of Selective Mutism for parents, professionals, and school personnel. Dr. Kotrba is the owner of Thriving Minds Behavioral Health in Brighton Michigan, offering expert treatment of Selective Mutism.
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