Application of a web-based cognitive-behavioural therapy programme for the treatment of selective mutism in Singapore : a case series study

• Main Authors: Ooi, Yoon Phaik, Raja, Malini, Fung, Daniel SS, Koh, Jessie BK, Sung, Sharon Cohan
• Other Authors: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::Medicine
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/106462; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/24010; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22815012
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

INTRODUCTION: Selective mutism (SM) is characterised by limited or a lack of speech in selected social settings. Recent reviews suggest that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective and promising treatment approach for SM. However, there is still a lack of studies documenting the applicability of CBT for SM in diverse populations. The goal of the present study was to examine the use of a web-based CBT programme ('Meeky Mouse') among Singaporean children diagnosed with SM. METHODS: Five children with SM (one boy and four girls aged 6-11 years) participated in the 14-week 'Meeky Mouse' programme, in addition to being prescribed with an unchanged dosage of fluoxetine 10-20 mg daily. The progress made by the children throughout the course of the programme was documented by the therapist. RESULTS: Post treatment, four out of the five children demonstrated improvements in the frequency of speech during therapy sessions at home, in school and at other social situations. CONCLUSION: Findings from the present study provide support for the use of a web-based CBT programme in improving speech and decreasing the severity of SM among affected children.