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https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2020_237305
Cognitive behavioral based treatment of selective mutism
Ana Kordić
orcid.org/0000-0002-9950-2443
; Psihijatrijska bolnica za djecu i mladež, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Daria Sfeci
; Psihijatrijska bolnica za djecu i mladež, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Lea Slavčić
; Psihijatrijska bolnica za djecu i mladež, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Ljubica Paradžik
; Psihijatrijska bolnica za djecu i mladež, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Aim: In this case study, a cognitive behavioral treatment of child with a selective mutism diagnosis will be presented, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary approach and importance of parents being co-therapists during the treatment. Case report: A boy, 6 years and 8 months old, was brought by his parents to his first psychiatric examination to the Psychiatric hospital for Children and Adolescents in Zagreb, to which he was referred by his physician. According to his parents, 5 months ago he stopped communicating verbally with his peers and adults outside of family setting. The boy doesn’t attend children’s birthdays, nor does he go to his friend’s houses to play, demanding parent’s presence all day long. Parents believe that the problem was triggered by the boy’s hospitalization and separation from parents, due to his medical issues. After the multidisciplinary examination the boy was included in continuous treatment of both psychologist and speech therapist. Psychological treatment lasted for 1,5 year and included 28 sessions in total. During the treatment, the boy improved from being able to speak only with close family members to being able to communicate openly with other people in public setting, e.g. at school. Conclusion: This study indicates efficiency of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders, which is accordant to relevant scientific research. This case study places importance on the multidisciplinary approach in interaction between therapist, parents, school and all other relevant participants in the child’s social environment.
Keywords
childhood anxiety; cognitive behavioral therapy; multidisciplinary treatment; selective mutism
Hrčak ID:
237305
URI
Publication date:
1.6.2020.
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