Conversion Mutism: Case Report and Discussion

Abstract

Conversion mutism is an uncommon disorder that was in the past most frequently reported during wartime. Other than during wartime, young women are the most commonly affected and usually present shortly after a traumatic event. Both psychodynamic and behavioral elements are important etiologically and, thus the treatment should include both psychodynamic and behavioral methods. The patient described in this paper had underlying fears relating to sexual assault as well as behavior ally reinforced perpetuation of her symptom. She regained her speech after four weeks of combined psychodynamic and behavioral therapy.