Mutism is a condition where the patient is completely absent speech, but the ability to speak while remaining. Facial expressions and gestures in this state may be absent, but one can perceive another's speech and understand it.
One of the varieties of mutism is the psychogenic kind of the disease, provoked by a psychological trauma. Sometimes this state takes an elective form when a person talks only to certain people, most often to family members.
The most common childrens mutism, which can be caused by an acute reaction to certain circumstances.
Causes and features of the
violation Voluntary psychogenic mute can develop against a background of psychological trauma under various circumstances. This can be the death of 
relatives, a strong fright, and a malfunction due to physical and psychological violence.
Unlike other types of mutism, with psychogenic disorder a person can maintain gesticulation, in addition, there is increased motor activity.
At the same time the patient is quite able to talk, there are no visible obstacles for this, however, he refuses to do this.
Mutizm psychogenic type can be accompanied by various motor and emotional disorders. These accompanying symptoms greatly facilitate diagnosis.
Clinical manifestations and symptoms
Diagnosis of psychogenic mutism allows the presence of certain signs, the main symptoms include:
- rejection of verbal( speech) communication;
- absence of diseases, due to which speech functions are violated;
- clarity of consciousness;
- retaining the ability to express their thoughts in writing;
- application of non-verbal ways of communication.
Features and causes of development in children
Psychogenic mutism is considered to be predominantly a childhood disease, in adults it develops much less often. Violation may be due to a change in the situation, when the child went to a kindergarten or school. It is a mistake to believe that the rejection of communication is a feature of adaptation, such manifestations have more serious causes.
According to statistics, boys suffer from this disease much less often than girls. In addition, children who grow up in dysfunctional families, as well as sensitive and especially impressionable babies, are most susceptible to such violations.
The main difficulty is that often children's "voluntary" dumbness is confused with other mental illnesses or considered a temporary phenomenon. As a result, treatment is not performed correctly or inadequately, which complicates the situation.
It is important to know that any speech and behavioral disorders in children require increased attention and mandatory correction. Otherwise, the child will not be able to adapt to society and lead a full life.
Diagnostic criteria and methods
Specialists in the diagnostic process for the most complete assessment of the patient's condition will require information about how long a person stopped communicating through speech and what events this happened. Also, such tests are prescribed:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging( MRI);
- computed tomography of the brain( CT);
- electroencephalography( EEG).
In addition, it is necessary to perform a neurological examination, as well as consult a psychiatrist and speech therapist.
Complex of therapeutic measures
There is no universal method for treating psychogenic mutism, in each case, the methods are selected individually, depending on the patient's condition and the causes of the disorder. The main goal of the treatment is to eliminate the consequences of trauma and 
normalization of the patient's mental condition.
As part of the therapy, medications from the group of nootropics and neuroleptics are prescribed, antidepressants may be recommended.
The patient also needs psychotherapeutic treatment, assistance in getting rid of anxiety and overcoming stress. In addition, additional measures can be prescribed, for example, massage, medical and respiratory gymnastics and so on.
In most cases, a mutagen of psychogenic origin is treatable, and patients have sufficient chances for a full recovery and a full life in the future.
Preventive measures of
There are no specific preventive measures to prevent psychogenic disorders. The reason is that in most cases it is impossible to predict and prevent emotional shocks and psychological traumas that can provoke the disease.
The only thing that can be done is to monitor the state of health, which will allow to some extent to increase the stability of the psyche in stressful situations, namely: 
- to observe the rest regime and avoid emotional and physical overload;
- to lead a healthy lifestyle;
- sleep at least 8 hours a day;
- whenever possible to avoid stressful situations and nervous overstrain;
- promptly seek medical help for health problems.
When it comes to a child, it is necessary to take care of a calm and comfortable environment in the family, avoid violent clarification of relationships and do not apply violence to the child. And if there are any abnormalities and behavioral disorders immediately seek help from specialists.
