Selective mutism is a condition in which a person is anxious and due to that he or she is not in a position to talk or express in public or before a group of people. In this post, we list some of the key selective mutism treatment tips.
1. Through Mental Health Therapy
The first opinion in case of selective mutism treatment is through mental health therapy. Interestingly, mental health therapy is usually the first option in such cases and likely helps too. Mental health therapy also known as behavioural therapy also helps in coping with anxious situations. Any condition related with mental trauma is also helpful in selective mutism treatment when mental health therapy is given.
In case when children are involved in any such therapy, the people who are involved in raising them should also be included in this therapy. It is usually believed too that involvement of parents too helps in curing selective mutism.
2. Through Speech Therapy
Selective mutism treatment also lists speech therapy as a solution. Medications are usually part of this treatment but it should always be given under special guidance and recommendation by expert doctors. Children and adults who suffer from speech disorder benefit the most when speech therapy is used as a part of treatment in such conditions.
3. Through Medications
In case mental health therapy or speech therapy do not suffice as a part of treatment, it is time to use medications for curing selective mutism. In such cases, the most common of medication are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In general case, these medications are used for treating conditions related to anxiety but can always be used for treating selective mutism.
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4. Through Behavioural Therapy Programs
Behavioural therapy can also be used as part of selective mutism treatment. The base of any such treatment is centred around cognitive behavioural therapy. In a study conducted with children who were suffering from selective mutism, it was found that the behavioural therapy programs helped a lot in offering cure.
Different techniques that can be used in such cases include:
Desensitization
This is one treatment in which a person is put to such situations over time. When a person experiences such problems multiple times, he or she develops immunity to such issues and learns to deal with such problems.
Exposure Therapy
This is one selective mutism treatment in which a safe space is created by any psychologist and the individual is put through objects or situations which he or she fears. This could be a situation like wherein a person has to talk to a stranger randomly.
Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement can also be used as a selective mutism treatment. You can use positive self-talk situations and motivate a person to speak even though in limited words in a gathering.
At times, a combination of various treatments can also be put forward so that a person comes out of situations which might have arisen due to their social circumstances.
Try these selective mutism treatment options and life would eventually get better.
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