What Can We Learn from the Previous Research on the Symptoms of Selective Mutism? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Accurate understanding of a mental disorder’s symptomatology is essential for valid diagnosis, differential assessment, and treatment planning. It is therefore remarkable that failure to speak is defined as the only symptom in the diagnostic criteria of selective mutism (SM) in current classification systems. This narrow definition may not reflect the full range of difficulties experienced by affected children. This systematic review aimed to synthesize empirical findings on the broader symptomatology of SM across diverse study designs, informants, and assessment methods. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and APA PsycNet, leading to 82 studies with participant samples (beyond single case reports) included in the final analysis. Results indicated that social and unspecific anxiety were the most frequently assessed and consistently identified symptoms. However, additional features—including withdrawal, depressive symptoms, social skill deficits, and, in qualitative accounts, externalizing and oppositional behaviors—were also documented. The observed symptom diversity varied notably across assessment methods and informants. Our findings support a multisymptomatic understanding of SM and suggest that failure to speak alone do not fully account for its clinical presentation. A more differentiated conceptualization may enhance diagnostic precision, inform individualized intervention strategies, and contribute to discussions on refining diagnostic frameworks.