Mutismo seletivo infantil e intervenções psicoterápicas: uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

Selective mutism disorder (MS) is little known, and is easily mistaken for shyness. It affects approximately 1% of the population, and brings psychosocial and educational damage to children of various ages. Due to the deficient attention given to the symptoms of selective mutism by school actors and children's relatives, an attempt was made to systematize the existing knowledge about the disorder. This study also aimed to identify and investigate possible psychotherapeutic interventions for the treatment of MS. The methodology of the work was the descriptive research - of qualitative character - through bibliographic research. Treatment options with behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy - play therapy and artherapy - and family therapy were found in the literature. Case studies carried out and published in the bibliography were described and the results were analyzed. It was observed that the work carried out with behavioral intervention, with cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy through play therapy, achieved overcoming the MS. The intervention with artherapy, in turn, showed evolution of the case, but without success in overcoming it. There were no practical findings from family therapy for the treatment of MS. It was concluded that most of the studies developed with children with MS used cognitive-behavioral therapy, being considered the most promising of the interventions. Even so, it was emphasized that other psychological approaches have greater difficulty in measuring and demonstrating research results