A profoundly deaf female is evaluated for decreased communication over a thirteen year period. There was a total absence of communication for the last five years and case findings are consistent with the diagnosis of elective mutism. This is the first report of the disorder in a deaf person. Evaluation, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are discussed.
References
1.
BrowneE., WilsonV., LaybourneP.C.Diagnosis and treatment of elective mutism in children.J Am Acad Child Psychiatry1963; 2: 605–17.
2.
HalpernW.I., HammondJ., CohenR.A therapeutic approach to speech phobia: elective mutism reexamined.J Am Acad Child Psychiatry1971; 10: 94–107.
3.
GollK.Role structure and subculture in families of elective mutists.Fam Process1979; 18: 55–68.
4.
KummerR.Betnachtungen zum problem des Freiwilliger Schweigens.Psychiat Neurol Med Psychol1953; 5: 79–83.
5.
WardN.G., RowlettD.B., BurkeP.Sodium amylobarbitone in the differential diagnosis of confusion.Am J Psychiatry1978; 135(1): 75–8.
6.
BradleyS., SlomanL.Elective mutism in immigrant families.J Am Acad Child Psychiatry1975; 7: 510–4.
