The Efficacy of Integrated Behavioral Therapy for Selective Mutism

This study examines the efficacy of the Integrated Behavioral Therapy for Selective Mutism protocol (Bergman et al., 2013). Participants are 60 children, aged 4-8 years, diagnosed with Selective Mutism (SM). The level of SM symptoms is assessed during first arrival to the SM unit of Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel (Intake), at the first treatment session, at sessions 12, and at the end of treatment.

A secondary aim of this study is to assess the contribution of parent's characteristics (anxiety and depression levels, parenting style) to the childrens' SM symptoms level and to treatment achievements.

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Key information

Conditions

Selective Mutism Communication Disorders Language Disorders Mental Disorders Mutism Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurodevelopmental Disorders Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Speech Disorders

Age range

4 year–8 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Schneider Childrens' Medical Center of Israel

Petah Tikva, Israel

About this study

All study procedures have been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel. Participants are recruited from the Selective Mutism unit at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, during their first visit to the clinic. Both parents of eligible children sign informed consents. Each child is evaluated by a clinical psychologist, using a semi-structured interview (ADIS), designed to diagnose the child and to determine the level of symptom severity. The parents who are identified as the main-caregiving, complete questionnaires assessing the child's levels of SM symptoms and social anxiety (SMQ, SASC), the parents' levels of social anxiety (LSAS, SPIN) and depression (BDI), parent's authority style (PAQ), parental accommodation (FASA) and parental playfulness (PPQ). The child's teacher completes questionnaires assessing the child's SM levels (SSQ). Participants are than assigned either to the treatment or the waiting list group (by chance). The assessment of SM levels is repeated in both groups at 1 week from baseline, 12 weeks from baseline, and 24 weeks from baseline. participants of the waiting list group will commence treatment following the 24 weeks waiting period.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Selective Mutism diagnosis (DSM-5)
age 4-8 years

Exclusion criteria

Autism Spectum Disorder
Psychotic disorder
Commenced other psychiatric or psychological treatment at the last month

Treatment and study plan

Integrated Behavioral Therapy for Selective Mutism

Behavioral

Cognitive Behavioral treatment including 24 weekly sessions

Primary outcomes

Change in Selective Mutism Questionnaire

Time frame: baseline, 1 week from baseline, 12 weeks from baseline, 24 weeks from baseline

The change in parent's and teacher's report on child's selective Mutism symptoms

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Rabin Medical Center

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2017
Primary completion: 2021
Study completion: 2023
First posted: Oct 14, 2020
Registry last updated: Apr 16, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed