Mark Myers Expert Answer(selective Mutism)

Mark Myers Expert Answer to: I have a son who had selective mutism from 6-8 years. He is now 16 and has been diagnosed with OCD. He also appears to be suffering from severe depression. Are these linked? Selective Mutism, as you may well know, is predominately found in children. However, some adults do experience it as well. This disorder is characterized by a person persistently failing to speak in select settings, which continues for more than 1 month. These individuals do talk to other people, usually family members. The diagnosis of Selective Mutism, does fall under the anxiety disorder spectrum. This spectrum would also include OCD. In fact, it is not unusual for OCD, or other types of anxiety disorders to coexist with Selective Mutism. It also does put a person at greater risk to develop other anxiety disorders later in life. view full answer