We all realize that there are ways to help the SM child(ren), but no definite cause has been found. There seems to be various theories. But I was quite surprised while surfing the web that one source believes that there may be a connection to a brain deficiency. Have you heard this before? Our psychologist had not. Since SM is such an unknown, research continues without answers.

Answer

The deficiency you are referring to is a seratonin deficiency….since Selective Mutism is primarily an anxiety disorder, studies indicate that there are actual deficiencies noted in the brain….seratonin is the main neurotransmitter that is affected, although dopamine, and norepinephrine are also involved at times. The area of the brain that is affected is the prefrontal lobe clearly demonstrable on certain brain scan imaging. The medications used to treat anxiety disorders such as Selective Mutism actually work by boosting the available quantity of the deficient neurotransmitters.

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum