Zehra Kamani1, Suneeta Monga2,3. 1. Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario. 2. Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario. 3. Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the longer-term outcomes of children diagnosed with selective mutism (SM) and/or social anxiety disorder (SAD); two anxiety disorders characterized by difficulties speaking in social situations despite being able to speak in other contexts. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to descriptively evaluate the long-term SM and SAD diagnostic and symptom severity outcomes in a clinical youth sample. METHODS: Retrospective follow-up interviews were conducted with 31 parents of children/youth aged four to 14 years previously referred to a specialized anxiety clinic and diagnosed with SM and/or SAD (mean follow-up 4.2 years). Clinician and parent-report measures were used to determine follow-up diagnosis and symptom severity. RESULTS: The majority (71%; n=22) of participants still met criteria for SM and/or SAD. Of these, 11 had SAD only; nine had a comorbid diagnosis of SM and SAD; and two had SM only. At follow-up 42% (n=13) were receiving school supports. Close to half (48%; n=15) of parents continued to express concerns about their child's anxiety. Almost all (90%, n=28) youth had attempted some form of treatment, with group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) reported as the most common form of treatment tried (48%, n=15). Almost thirty percent (29%, n=9) reported taking anxiety medications in the past with several (13%, n=4) still on medications at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Study results suggest that symptoms of SM and SAD persist in the longer-term. Further investigation into the differences between diagnostic groups and their long-term treatment outcomes is clearly warranted.
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the longer-term outcomes of children diagnosed with selective mutism (SM) and/or social anxiety disorder (SAD); two anxiety disorders characterized by difficulties speaking in social situations despite being able to speak in other contexts. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to descriptively evaluate the long-term SM and SAD diagnostic and symptom severity outcomes in a clinical youth sample. METHODS: Retrospective follow-up interviews were conducted with 31 parents of children/youth aged four to 14 years previously referred to a specialized anxiety clinic and diagnosed with SM and/or SAD (mean follow-up 4.2 years). Clinician and parent-report measures were used to determine follow-up diagnosis and symptom severity. RESULTS: The majority (71%; n=22) of participants still met criteria for SM and/or SAD. Of these, 11 had SAD only; nine had a comorbid diagnosis of SM and SAD; and two had SM only. At follow-up 42% (n=13) were receiving school supports. Close to half (48%; n=15) of parents continued to express concerns about their child's anxiety. Almost all (90%, n=28) youth had attempted some form of treatment, with group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) reported as the most common form of treatment tried (48%, n=15). Almost thirty percent (29%, n=9) reported taking anxiety medications in the past with several (13%, n=4) still on medications at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Study results suggest that symptoms of SM and SAD persist in the longer-term. Further investigation into the differences between diagnostic groups and their long-term treatment outcomes is clearly warranted.
Authors: E S Dummit; R G Klein; N K Tancer; B Asche; J Martin; J A Fairbanks Journal: J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 1997-05 Impact factor: 8.829
Authors: B Birmaher; D A Brent; L Chiappetta; J Bridge; S Monga; M Baugher Journal: J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 1999-10 Impact factor: 8.829
Authors: Robin Yeganeh; Deborah C Beidel; Samuel M Turner; Armando A Pina; Wendy K Silverman Journal: J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 2003-09 Impact factor: 8.829