Mutism is a specific disorder in which an adult or child suddenly stops talking. At the same time, no trauma to the speech apparatus is noted, a person hears perfectly when they are addressed to him, understands what they are saying to him, but does not answer. Mutism is rarely seen as an independent disease, more often this condition is a symptom of a certain pathology.
Mutism can develop at different ages, but it is rarely diagnosed in older people. This pathological condition can be considered from different points of view.
In psychology, mutism can be a symptom of socialization problems. But this violation also occurs with neuroses, during the development of a number of psychiatric diseases. Very often, this condition is a sign of hysteria, anxiety disorder. In some cases, pathological dumbness is one of the signs of catatonic stupor or schizophrenia.
It should be understood that unwillingness to talk due to whims or resentment is not a violation. It is, rather, a manifestation of character and an attempt to manipulate the people around. Mutism, on the other hand, is a serious disorder that needs to be corrected. The condition can occur for various reasons. Some of the foundations for mutism begin to form with age.
The main reasons for the development of mutism
Genetics. After the studies, it was found that children, among whose relatives there were patients with pathological dumbness, significantly increased the risk of developing mutism under favorable circumstances for this disease.
Serious traumatic circumstances. Refusal to speak may be the result of severe fear, shock. Mutism is sometimes seen in PTSD. In childhood, specific dumbness can manifest itself in situations where the child has experienced physical or emotional abuse. Especially sensitive children may even have such a reaction to the divorce of their parents. A person who has witnessed or participated in any catastrophe may become numb for a while, while not losing his mind, remaining a sane person.
Negative microclimate in the family. This cause of mutism is mainly relevant for childhood. If a child grows up in unfavorable conditions, constantly witnesses scandals between parents or relatives, observes physical violence in the family or is simply brought up in harsh conditions, personality deformation gradually occurs. Regular punishment, deprivation, screaming can cause neurosis, part of which will be a specific dumbness.
Personality features. People with a hysterical type of behavior are more likely than others to encounter mutism. Excessive sensitivity, pathological suspiciousness, increased anxiety, an abundance of fears or even phobias can become the basis on which mutism will form.
It is also worth noting that in some cases mutism appears after a person comes out of a prolonged coma. In the case of severe intoxication, the development of dumbness is also possible.
Diseases as causes of mutism
Specialists identify a number of serious pathologies, of which mutism is usually a part:
- autism;
- schizophrenia of various types;
- hysterical disorder;
- various neuroses;
- mental retardation in childhood;
- brain damage, severe congenital or acquired pathologies;
- stroke;
- operations performed on the ligaments, larynx; despite the fact that in this case the human speech apparatus is affected, it remains intact, but at the same time pathological dumbness often develops;
- any deformations affecting the organs of speech; such pathologies may not interfere with talking, but cause a number of inconveniences, which is why, as a result, a person refuses this and stops talking.
