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A randomized controlled trial of a home and school‐based intervention for selective mutism – defocused communication and behavioural techniques

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Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Published online on

Abstract

Background Randomized controlled psychosocial treatment studies on selective mutism (SM) are lacking. Method Overall, 24 children with SM, aged 3–9 years, were randomized to 3 months treatment (n = 12) or wait list (n = 12). Primary outcome measure was the School Speech Questionnaire. Results A significant time by group interaction was found (p = .029) with significantly increased speech in the treatment group (p = .004) and no change in wait list controls (p = .936). A time by age interaction favoured younger children (p = .029). Clinical trail registration: Norwegian Research CouncilNCT01002196. Conclusions The treatment significantly improved speech. Greater improvement in the younger age group highlights the importance of an early intervention.