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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00554749

What Treatment Works for Children With Selective Mutism?

The purpose of this pilot study is to explore the outcome of a manual based treatment for children with Selective Mutism

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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

3 year–9 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Centre for child and adolescent mental health, Eastern and Southern Norway

Oslo, 0484, Norway

About this study

Objectives:

The main aim of this pilot study is to increase our knowledge on interventions for Selective Mutism (SM), a childhood condition characterized by a persistent lack of speech in specific situations despite the ability to comprehend and use language. A survey on the treatment offered this group in Norway 1997-2000 showed great variations in therapeutic approach and the overall outcome was poor. Correspondent with the notion of SM as a variant of social anxiety, several case studies have described successful treatments using behaviour techniques (BT's) such as stimulus fading and shaping. In addition, the author's clinical experience is that "defocusing in communication" (e.g. regulation of gaze contact; sitting beside instead of in front of the child, avoiding direct questioning, talking about interesting but impersonal topics) represents another important toil in getting the mute child to start talking. However, to date there are no randomized controlled SM treatment studies, and in fact we know little of what works best to help these children. Our research group has developed an assessment- and treatment manual for children with SM.

In this exploring pilot study referred children with SM aged 3-5 years (n=7) will be given an intervention according to the treatment manual. The intervention is conducted at home and in the kindergarten or at school and includes stimulus fading techniques with weekly sessions. Therapists will be members of the research group or local therapist under supervision.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Children with a clinical diagnosis of Selective Mutism (SM)

Exclusion criteria

  • Children with Mental Retardation (IQ<50)
  • Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
  • Children with SM in active treatment
  • Children with SM on medication
  • Children whose parents are non-Norwegian speaking

Treatment and study plan

Interventions at home, in the kindergarten/school

Behavioral

Weekly interventions including behavior techniques (stimulus fading)

Other names: Stimulus fading interventions

Primary outcomes

  1. School Speech Questionnaire (SSQ)

    Time frame: 6 months

    SSQ is a teacher-report measure assessing the frequency of the child's speaking behaviour at school. It is a 9-item questionnaire. Each item has four possible responses, ranging 0 (never), 1 (seldom), 2 (often) and 3 (always). The standard sum score is added up from the six questions (as defined by its author Lindsey Bergman) and then divided by 6 to make up a corresponding factor score ranging from 0-3.(worst value=0 and best value=3)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Number of Children Who Obtained the Different Treatment Modules (Level of Speaking;Level 1 Through to 6)

    Time frame: 6 months

    6 Predefined treatment goals reflecting speaking levels from 1 through to 6. 1: Speaks to the therapist(T) in a separate room in the kindergarten with parent (P) present. 2: Speaks to T in a separate room without P. 3: Speaks to a teacher in a separate room with T present. 4: Speaks to other teachers in a separate room with T present. 5: Speaks to teachers in some kindergarten settings without T present. 6: Speaks to teachers in all settings in kindergarten without T present. Each child receives one score at end of treatment according to their acquired level (worst value=1, best value =6)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Regionsenter for barn og unges psykiske helse

Other

Collaborators

  • Ullevaal University Hospital

Registry information

Official study title

What Treatment Works for Children With Selective Mutism? A Treatment Pilot Study

Important dates

Study start
2007
Primary completion
2008
Study completion
2008
First posted
Nov 7, 2007
Registry last updated
Nov 25, 2010

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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