Specific or pathological dumbness - mutism - is of several types. The type of mutism depends on the cause that provokes the development of this pathology. Also, such a violation has a number of additional manifestations and signs, in addition to direct silence when it is possible to speak and when understanding speech.
Despite the fact that the key symptom of the state of mutism is the rejection of speech, there are some additional signs that accompany this disorder. What are they?
Additional symptoms of mutism
Immediately it is necessary to note the fact that, as a rule, a person with mutism retains a clear mind, really realizes everything and understands the speech addressed to him. By refusing to voice, such a person can very actively use non-verbal communication methods: nodding, gestures, winking, facial expressions, and so on.
Unable to find the strength to answer questions or start a conversation, patients with mutism often carry a notebook and pen with them. Communication in this case occurs through words written on paper. Moreover, if there is at least a minimal opportunity to avoid the need for verbal interaction, a person with mutism will try to use it.
For pathological dumbness, the following conditions are also characteristic:
- increased anxiety, constant anxiety, nervousness; a person from the outside may seem somehow jerky and fussy;
- negativism, which is especially characteristic in combination with mutism in childhood;
- inhibited reaction, which can manifest itself both in actions and gestures, and in paying attention to sound sources; patients with mutism may have slow thinking, seem thoughtful, unhurried, immersed in their own world;
- inadequate shyness, excessive shyness usually accompany a specific dumbness;
- aggressive behavior and impulsive - affective - reactions to any external stimuli; as a rule, anger, anger, aggression in a person with mutism is especially pronounced when other people try to force the patient to start talking; however, in some cases, a “numb” person may react inadequately to intrusion into his personal space, to any changes in his usual life or environment, this is especially characteristic of mutism that develops due to autism;
- problems with socialization, which are due precisely to the psychological inability to maintain a conversation.
What is a specific dumbness
At the moment, experts distinguish five main types - types or forms - of mutism.
Organic look. Sometimes it is also called akinetic mutism. In this case, pathological dumbness develops due to severe brain damage. They can be infectious in nature. Often, people with brain tumors have a refusal to speak. In addition, mutism often becomes a consequence of traumatic brain injury.
Catatonic form. This kind of violation is always accompanied by negativism. Usually, catatonic mutism is not provoked by any external circumstances; it can arise abruptly and pass abruptly. The condition is a symptom of severe mental pathologies, including schizophrenia with episodes of catatonic stupor or excitement.
Electoral dumbness. This type of mutism is most often based on problems with socialization. A person willingly communicates with some personalities, but when people appear who are unpleasant to him, who cause him bad memories, thoughts or associations, such a person abruptly stops talking. Selective mutism can manifest itself in any situations that negatively affect a person. This disorder is often observed in people with trauma. For example, a child who was taken from a dysfunctional family may willingly communicate with new parents or other people, but at the same time, as soon as he gets into any environment / situation that brings up memories of difficult days, the child's speech disappears. The same reaction can be in response to communication with relatives or parents who kept the child in "harsh" and inadequate conditions.
Psychogenic mutism. This form is again associated with traumatic circumstances. However, in this case, pathological dumbness is not disturbed by "light gaps", it is present in a person constantly until the underlying disease is cured. Psychogenic mutism often accompanies anxiety and hysterical states, post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hysterical form. Typically, this form of mutism is diagnosed exclusively in the context of hysteria. Dumbness in this case is a kind of demonstrative behavior, an attempt by a sick person to attract attention to himself. Such mutism can also be a form of protest that has taken on a pathological character. Most often, this type of muism is diagnosed in childhood and is observed in girls, women, no older than 50-55 years.
