Fluoxetine treatment of children with selective mutism: an open trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

A pilot study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fluoxetine treatment for children with selective mutism (elective mutism in DSM-III-R).

METHOD:

Twenty-one children (mean age 8.2 years, range 5 through 14) participated in a 9-week open trial of fluoxetine in graduated doses (mean end dose 28.1 mg, range 10 to 60 mg) with systematic baseline and outcome evaluations and weekly clinical assessment.

RESULTS:

All 21 children met DSM-III-R and DSM-IV criteria for anxiety disorders. After fluoxetine treatment, 76% were improved, with diminished anxiety and increased speech in public settings, including school. Improvement at week 9 was inversely correlated with age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Persistent selective mutism presenting with comorbid anxiety disorders may respond to fluoxetine treatment.

• Authors: E S Dummit 3rd, R G Klein, N K Tancer, B Asche, J Martin
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry) Vol. 35 Issue 5 Pg. 615-21 (May 1996) ISSN: 0890-8567 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8935208 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
• Fluoxetine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Fluoxetine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Male
• Mutism (drug therapy, psychology)
• Personality Assessment
• Pilot Projects
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Treatment Outcome