selective mutism

English

Noun

selective mutism (uncountable)

1. (clinical psychology, psychiatry) A severe form of social anxiety disorder characterized by a total inability to speak or communicate orally in certain social settings. The inability to speak is involuntary and persistent, and is not caused by a communication disorder, neurodevelopmental disorder, psychotic disorder, or intellectual disability.

Derived terms

• selectively mute

Synonyms

• (outdated) elective mutism

Translations

inability to speak in certain social settings

• Spanish: mutismo selectivo m
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