A popular Japanese TV program featured a UK model on February 13 who
once suffered from selective mutism. During and after the broadcast, at
least hundreds of people, including those who had not known SM until
then, made comments about SM on the Internet.
The TV program is Za! Sekai Gyouten News
broadcast by Nippon Television Network Corporation (NTV). A popular
comedian Tsurube Shofukutei and a popular singer Masahiro Nakai host the
program. Gyouten is broadcast almost all across the country
every week on prime time (Wed 21:00-21:54). On February 13 NTV broadcast
a two hour special (20:00-21:54) including a SM story.
The protagonist of the story is a girl named Kirsty Heslewood, born in the
UK. She suffered from SM but overcame it thanks to her mother and
teacher. She now works as a model. I guess some readers of my blog may
know her because her story appeared in the Daily Mail when she was selected as a finalist of Miss England.
During
and after the broadcast, at least hundreds of viewers of the program
commented about SM via Twitter, Facebook, BBS, blogs, etc. I have never
known so many Japanese people comment about SM. Interestingly, not a few
of them had not known SM until then. Gyouten seems to increase awareness of SM.
But
some express concern. Knet, a SM support group based in Japan, warned
viewers not to show videos of children with SM talking in their house
without their permission like Kirsty's story. Knet says that often
worsens symptoms or breaks trust among children, parents, and teachers.
Showing posts with label Selective Mutism in Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Selective Mutism in Japan. Show all posts
Friday, February 15, 2013
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Adult selective mutism and Hikikomori in Japan
Diamond Online, a Japanese business website, published articles about
adult selective mutism with Hikikomori. Diamond Online publishes
business articles as well as health ones.
First article [May 18, 2012]
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Second article [June 28, 2012]
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Third article [July 26, 2012]
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Hikikomori is a Japanese term that means long term social withdrawal typically by adolescent and adult males. Usually the concept of Hikikomori excludes symptoms of schizophrenia. Today hundreds and thousands of Japanese people are considered to withdraw from society.
All articles above are interviews with members of Association of Selective Mutism in Japan who experienced selective mutism. ASMJ is one of the major selective mutism support group in Japan, which, in my view, emphasizes adult selective mutism.
We can find many Japanese Hikikomori people who really suffer(ed) or seem(ed) to suffer from selective mutism in academic literature, books, on Internet websites, etc. But it is not clear how many people suffer from such difficulties.
According to a study by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, out of 149 Hikikomori cases which visited 5 Mental Health and Welfare Centers and received diagnoses of mental ilnesses, one case was diagnosed as selective mutism. But it is not clear whether about 0.67(1/149) percent of Hikikomori people have selective mutism because most Hikikomori people do not visit Mental Health and Welfare Center.
Little is known for certain about Hikikomori people with selective mutism. Most writings are their personal experiences or case study. Diamond Online's article is no exception.
First article [May 18, 2012]
( New window open)
Second article [June 28, 2012]
( New window open)
Third article [July 26, 2012]
( New window open)
Hikikomori is a Japanese term that means long term social withdrawal typically by adolescent and adult males. Usually the concept of Hikikomori excludes symptoms of schizophrenia. Today hundreds and thousands of Japanese people are considered to withdraw from society.
All articles above are interviews with members of Association of Selective Mutism in Japan who experienced selective mutism. ASMJ is one of the major selective mutism support group in Japan, which, in my view, emphasizes adult selective mutism.
We can find many Japanese Hikikomori people who really suffer(ed) or seem(ed) to suffer from selective mutism in academic literature, books, on Internet websites, etc. But it is not clear how many people suffer from such difficulties.
According to a study by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, out of 149 Hikikomori cases which visited 5 Mental Health and Welfare Centers and received diagnoses of mental ilnesses, one case was diagnosed as selective mutism. But it is not clear whether about 0.67(1/149) percent of Hikikomori people have selective mutism because most Hikikomori people do not visit Mental Health and Welfare Center.
Little is known for certain about Hikikomori people with selective mutism. Most writings are their personal experiences or case study. Diamond Online's article is no exception.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Children with SM in evacuation centers
Great earthquake and tsunami hit north-east Japan in March 2011, and myriad of people forced to live in evacuation centers. Evacuees must have included children with selective mutism. How did they spend their daily time?
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by persistent failure to speak in unfamiliar social settings and to unfamiliar people. Typically they are children and can not utter words at schools although they speak normally at their homes.
Evacuation centers were unfamiliar settings for selectively mute children. A typical evacuation center was set up at a gymnasium or a community center. In many cases there were cubicles that separate living space. But such cubicles were not necessarily placed. So, many selectively mute children must have been surrounded with unfamiliar people.
Images of evacuation centers in Japan
(new window open)
On the other hand, in many cases, children in evacuation centers lived with their families without cubicles. I suppose they spent a lot of their time close to their families. In other words, they were together with their familiar people.
So, how did the environment affect the children? It is not clear, because nobody researches it.
I suppose one possibility is that they were mute all day long because they were surrounded with unfamiliar people. If so, I feel a pang of sympathy for them. Another possibility is that they spoke freely because they were always with their families. A third possibility is the middle of the first and second possibility. In other words, they spoke a little.
I hope such complex environment helps children to desensitize unfamiliar social setting and people.
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by persistent failure to speak in unfamiliar social settings and to unfamiliar people. Typically they are children and can not utter words at schools although they speak normally at their homes.
Evacuation centers were unfamiliar settings for selectively mute children. A typical evacuation center was set up at a gymnasium or a community center. In many cases there were cubicles that separate living space. But such cubicles were not necessarily placed. So, many selectively mute children must have been surrounded with unfamiliar people.
Images of evacuation centers in Japan
(new window open)
On the other hand, in many cases, children in evacuation centers lived with their families without cubicles. I suppose they spent a lot of their time close to their families. In other words, they were together with their familiar people.
So, how did the environment affect the children? It is not clear, because nobody researches it.
I suppose one possibility is that they were mute all day long because they were surrounded with unfamiliar people. If so, I feel a pang of sympathy for them. Another possibility is that they spoke freely because they were always with their families. A third possibility is the middle of the first and second possibility. In other words, they spoke a little.
I hope such complex environment helps children to desensitize unfamiliar social setting and people.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Selective mutism and developmental disorder
I've read literature on selective mutism written by Japanese researchers. From what I read, some recent Japanese researchers explore the relationship between selective mutism and developmental disorder.
Common diagnostic criteria, such as DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10, distinguish selective mutism from pervasive developmental disorder. If symptoms of selective mutism occurs during the course of pervasive developmental disorder, that is diagnosed as pervasive developmental disorder, not selective mutism based on anxiety. So, it is important to distinguish both disorders.
Indeed, there seem to be many mute children with pervasive developmental disorders. According to a famous Norwegian research, 68.5 per cent of selectively mute children met the diagnostic criteria for developmental disorder/delay compared with 13.0% in the control group (Kristensen, 2000).
And Shintaro Sagawa, a member of Hinode City Board of Education based on Tokyo, writes that he had seen many mute children, but they are not necessarily silent because of psychological problems. He writes some of them have many difficulties, including developmental disorder (Sagawa, 2006).
So, if you find a selectively child, it may be better to consider the possibility of pervasive developmental disorder. But Yasuhiro Watanabe and Sakakida Rie, a pediatrician and child psychiatrist, points out that it is difficult to distinguish both disorders (Watanabe and Sakaida, 2009). In case you do not know whether the child can be diagnosed as selective mutism or pervasive developmental disorder, it may be better to keep both possibilities in mind.
[Reference]
Kristensen, H. (2000). Selective mutism and comorbidity with developmental disorder/delay, anxiety disorder, and elimination disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 39(2), 249-256.
Sagawa, S. (2006). Bamen kanmokuji heno approach. L'Esprit d'aujourd'hui. 471, 55-61.
Watanabe, U. and Sakakida, R. (2009). Four cases of selective mutism examined from in light of the austic spectrum disorders. Japanese journal of child and adolescent psychiatry. 50(5), 491-503.
Common diagnostic criteria, such as DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10, distinguish selective mutism from pervasive developmental disorder. If symptoms of selective mutism occurs during the course of pervasive developmental disorder, that is diagnosed as pervasive developmental disorder, not selective mutism based on anxiety. So, it is important to distinguish both disorders.
Indeed, there seem to be many mute children with pervasive developmental disorders. According to a famous Norwegian research, 68.5 per cent of selectively mute children met the diagnostic criteria for developmental disorder/delay compared with 13.0% in the control group (Kristensen, 2000).
And Shintaro Sagawa, a member of Hinode City Board of Education based on Tokyo, writes that he had seen many mute children, but they are not necessarily silent because of psychological problems. He writes some of them have many difficulties, including developmental disorder (Sagawa, 2006).
So, if you find a selectively child, it may be better to consider the possibility of pervasive developmental disorder. But Yasuhiro Watanabe and Sakakida Rie, a pediatrician and child psychiatrist, points out that it is difficult to distinguish both disorders (Watanabe and Sakaida, 2009). In case you do not know whether the child can be diagnosed as selective mutism or pervasive developmental disorder, it may be better to keep both possibilities in mind.
[Reference]
Kristensen, H. (2000). Selective mutism and comorbidity with developmental disorder/delay, anxiety disorder, and elimination disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 39(2), 249-256.
Sagawa, S. (2006). Bamen kanmokuji heno approach. L'Esprit d'aujourd'hui. 471, 55-61.
Watanabe, U. and Sakakida, R. (2009). Four cases of selective mutism examined from in light of the austic spectrum disorders. Japanese journal of child and adolescent psychiatry. 50(5), 491-503.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Japanese children's book about selective mutism
I found a Japanese children's book about selective mutism. Issho ni asobo vamos brincar (in English, let's play with me!), published in 2003. It's a fiction novel written by Etsuko Yamamoto.
The main characters of the story are two children. One is a third-grade Brazilian girl named Juliana. She transferred to an elementary school in Japan. But she faces difficulties in speaking Japanese. The other is her classmate named Seiya. He suffers from selective mutism.
The story revolves around Juliana and Seiya. The heart of the story is Seiya's relationship with Juliana.
Both Juliana and Seiya have difficulties in speaking, although their problems are different. When it comes to people who have language problems in fiction, I recall a short story "Hankachi," written by Kiyoshi Shigematsu. Hankachi is included in the book Aoi Tori, a collection of short stories. The main characters of the story are one teacher and one student. The teacher has a stutter problem. On the other hand, the student suffers from selective mutism. The center of the story is their relationship.
I have mixed feeling about this. I guess writers of both stories aim to explore meaning of verbal communication by writing people who can't speak well. But I don't want to group them together. Selective mutism is different from stuttering and lack of language knowledge.
But I guess this book may give solace to children with selective mutism. They may feel they are not alone when they finish reading the book.
The main characters of the story are two children. One is a third-grade Brazilian girl named Juliana. She transferred to an elementary school in Japan. But she faces difficulties in speaking Japanese. The other is her classmate named Seiya. He suffers from selective mutism.
The story revolves around Juliana and Seiya. The heart of the story is Seiya's relationship with Juliana.
Both Juliana and Seiya have difficulties in speaking, although their problems are different. When it comes to people who have language problems in fiction, I recall a short story "Hankachi," written by Kiyoshi Shigematsu. Hankachi is included in the book Aoi Tori, a collection of short stories. The main characters of the story are one teacher and one student. The teacher has a stutter problem. On the other hand, the student suffers from selective mutism. The center of the story is their relationship.
I have mixed feeling about this. I guess writers of both stories aim to explore meaning of verbal communication by writing people who can't speak well. But I don't want to group them together. Selective mutism is different from stuttering and lack of language knowledge.
But I guess this book may give solace to children with selective mutism. They may feel they are not alone when they finish reading the book.
Friday, February 25, 2011
A new Japanese picture book about selective mutism
A new Japanese picture book about selective mutism was published in January 2011. The title is Nacchan no koe -- Gakkou de hanasenai kodomotachi no rikai no tameni (Nacchan's voice -- Understanding children who can't speak at school).
Book details by Yahoo!Japan books
(New window open)
The heroine of the book is an elementary school girl who has selective mutism. We can understand the disorder through the story.
The main contents of the book are, of course, picture book. The story is very easy to understand, so even little children seem to be able to understand the disorder through the story.
The author is Miko Hayashi. She was a mother of a child who once had selective mutism. She illustrates the book as well as tells the story. Ms. Hayashi has made public her original picture stories about selective mutism on the Internet for a few years.
And at the end of the book, Yoji Kanehara, the director of Kanehara Pediatric Clinic, provides medical explanation about selective mutism for teachers and parents. In addition, one junior high school girl with selective mutism contributes her poem.
This book is edited under the supervision of Kanmoku Net (Knet), a Japanese selective mutism support group. Miko Hayashi is a member of the group.
Nacchan no Koe is not the first Japanese picutre book about selective mutism. As far as I know, the one titled Banzai! Nayakaya-kun (Hooray! Nakayama) was published in 2000. In 2002 a photo book Rika-chan ga waratta -- Hibikiau kodomo tachi (1) (Rika laughed -- Echoing children (1)) was published. However, there had been no picture books in which organizations on selective mutism involved until this book was published.
Book details by Yahoo!Japan books
(New window open)
The heroine of the book is an elementary school girl who has selective mutism. We can understand the disorder through the story.
The main contents of the book are, of course, picture book. The story is very easy to understand, so even little children seem to be able to understand the disorder through the story.
The author is Miko Hayashi. She was a mother of a child who once had selective mutism. She illustrates the book as well as tells the story. Ms. Hayashi has made public her original picture stories about selective mutism on the Internet for a few years.
And at the end of the book, Yoji Kanehara, the director of Kanehara Pediatric Clinic, provides medical explanation about selective mutism for teachers and parents. In addition, one junior high school girl with selective mutism contributes her poem.
This book is edited under the supervision of Kanmoku Net (Knet), a Japanese selective mutism support group. Miko Hayashi is a member of the group.
Nacchan no Koe is not the first Japanese picutre book about selective mutism. As far as I know, the one titled Banzai! Nayakaya-kun (Hooray! Nakayama) was published in 2000. In 2002 a photo book Rika-chan ga waratta -- Hibikiau kodomo tachi (1) (Rika laughed -- Echoing children (1)) was published. However, there had been no picture books in which organizations on selective mutism involved until this book was published.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Bullied to death
A Japanese junior high school student with selective mutism suffered severe violence by bullies and passed away because of the violence in 1991.
According to proceedings of a regular meeting of Toyonaka municipal assembly held March 1992, Bunichi Hotta, a member of the assembly, said, "Ms *** ***, who passed away because of bullying, had mental retardation and selective mutism. But her school didn't provide her with proper education. That was a serious problem."
(*** *** is a name of the girl who passed away)
The case seemed to be famous nationwide then. I consulted a local newspaper at that time issued in the area I live (far away from Toyonaka). The case was featured largely. Besides, the case was mentioned in Diet (Japanese Congress). Even now, Wikipedia refers to the case.
About the case in Wikipedia (Japanese)
（new window open）
But few Japanese people seem to know she had selective mutism. As long as my research, some newspapers or books and so on write she had disorders. But almost all of them wrote vaguely about her disorder. For instance, "She had mild emotional disorders."
It's very regrettable the tragedy occurred. She had selective mutism as well as me. In addition, she's the similar age with me if she didn't pass away. I hope such tragedy never happens again.
[Reference]
Sachiko Takeda (2005) Anata ha kodomo no inochi wo mamoremasuka - Ijime hakusho "jisatsu, satsujin, shogai 121 nin no kokoro no sakebi!"-, Tokyo: WAVE Publishers.
Index of SM in Japan
According to proceedings of a regular meeting of Toyonaka municipal assembly held March 1992, Bunichi Hotta, a member of the assembly, said, "Ms *** ***, who passed away because of bullying, had mental retardation and selective mutism. But her school didn't provide her with proper education. That was a serious problem."
(*** *** is a name of the girl who passed away)
The case seemed to be famous nationwide then. I consulted a local newspaper at that time issued in the area I live (far away from Toyonaka). The case was featured largely. Besides, the case was mentioned in Diet (Japanese Congress). Even now, Wikipedia refers to the case.
About the case in Wikipedia (Japanese)
（new window open）
But few Japanese people seem to know she had selective mutism. As long as my research, some newspapers or books and so on write she had disorders. But almost all of them wrote vaguely about her disorder. For instance, "She had mild emotional disorders."
It's very regrettable the tragedy occurred. She had selective mutism as well as me. In addition, she's the similar age with me if she didn't pass away. I hope such tragedy never happens again.
[Reference]
Sachiko Takeda (2005) Anata ha kodomo no inochi wo mamoremasuka - Ijime hakusho "jisatsu, satsujin, shogai 121 nin no kokoro no sakebi!"-, Tokyo: WAVE Publishers.
Index of SM in Japan
Monday, June 21, 2010
Selective Mutism and Hikikomori (2)
I think this description is significance, because it is written clearly in MHLW guideline that selective mutism is not only a childhood problem but can have lasting effects as Hikikomori. In fact, I hear not negligible number of Japanese people who suffered (or suffer) from selective mutism become Hikikomori. One Japanese support group for children with selective mutism claims that some children with selective mutism become Hikikomori later.
I don't know what evidence the authors of the guideline have. There are few studies on long term outcome of selective mutism also in Japan. But I guess several Hikikomori cases that have the experience of selective mutism are reported among institutions for Hikikomori people, such as Mental Health and Welfare Center, Public Health Center, etc..
It is interesting to note that the guideline mentions the relationship between school refusal and selective mutism. Traditionally it has been thought that Japanese children with selective mutism in general don't suffer from school refusal, because it's conspicuous to miss school for a long time. Children with selective mutism tend to avoid being conspicuous.
Although the guideline only make passing reference to selective mutism, I want many professionals to read the sentences about the disorder. That can help to raise awareness of selective mutism.
Last but not least, please note that not all Japanese children with selective mutism become Hikikomori later.
Index of SM in Japan
I don't know what evidence the authors of the guideline have. There are few studies on long term outcome of selective mutism also in Japan. But I guess several Hikikomori cases that have the experience of selective mutism are reported among institutions for Hikikomori people, such as Mental Health and Welfare Center, Public Health Center, etc..
It is interesting to note that the guideline mentions the relationship between school refusal and selective mutism. Traditionally it has been thought that Japanese children with selective mutism in general don't suffer from school refusal, because it's conspicuous to miss school for a long time. Children with selective mutism tend to avoid being conspicuous.
Although the guideline only make passing reference to selective mutism, I want many professionals to read the sentences about the disorder. That can help to raise awareness of selective mutism.
Last but not least, please note that not all Japanese children with selective mutism become Hikikomori later.
Index of SM in Japan
Friday, June 18, 2010
Selective Mutism and Hikikomori (1)
Hikikomori is a serious social problem in Japan.
What is Hikikomori? Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare defines Hikikomori as "A phenomenal concept which means avoiding social participation (e.g. school attendance including compulsory education, entering the workforce including part-time job and associating with somebody outside the home) and generally remaining at home for 6 month and over in principle (including going outside without associating with somebody). Moreover, although as a general rule we define Hikikomori as nonpsychotic phenomenon excluding social withdrawal based on a positive and negative symptom of schizophrenia, keep in mind that it's not uncommon that Hikikomori includes schizophrenia before a definite diagnosis is made."
MHLW revised a guideline for assessment and support for Hikikomori people on May 19. It is thought that professionals who help Hikikomori people read the guideline.
* Here's a link to MHLW's web page on the guideline *
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/houdou/2r98520000006i6f.html
(New window open)
The guideline refers to selective mutism as "mental disorders that are strongly related to Hikikomori and their features."
According to the guideline, some children with selective mutism become Hikikomori: 'Some children who didn't speak at kindergartens or schools in early childhood such as selective mutism gradually become school refusal and then become Hikikomori. Others remain at home after graduating from high schools without determining their course.'
(To be continued)
Index of SM in Japan
What is Hikikomori? Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare defines Hikikomori as "A phenomenal concept which means avoiding social participation (e.g. school attendance including compulsory education, entering the workforce including part-time job and associating with somebody outside the home) and generally remaining at home for 6 month and over in principle (including going outside without associating with somebody). Moreover, although as a general rule we define Hikikomori as nonpsychotic phenomenon excluding social withdrawal based on a positive and negative symptom of schizophrenia, keep in mind that it's not uncommon that Hikikomori includes schizophrenia before a definite diagnosis is made."
MHLW revised a guideline for assessment and support for Hikikomori people on May 19. It is thought that professionals who help Hikikomori people read the guideline.
* Here's a link to MHLW's web page on the guideline *
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/houdou/2r98520000006i6f.html
(New window open)
The guideline refers to selective mutism as "mental disorders that are strongly related to Hikikomori and their features."
According to the guideline, some children with selective mutism become Hikikomori: 'Some children who didn't speak at kindergartens or schools in early childhood such as selective mutism gradually become school refusal and then become Hikikomori. Others remain at home after graduating from high schools without determining their course.'
(To be continued)
Index of SM in Japan
Friday, May 07, 2010
Selective Mutism and SNS in Japan
Many Japanese people who are interested in selective mutism also use social network services. They share information about selective mutism in SNS.
Popular SNS among them are mixi and Twitter. Facebook and Myspace are not so popular among Japanese people.
* mixi *
Mixi is the most popular social networking site among Japanese. Mixi is a Japanese website, so I guess most users are Japanese.
For more detail about Mixi, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixi
At present there are 6 communities about selective mutism on mixi. The largest community has over 260 users.
* Twitter *
Twitter is also popular among Japanese people. Yukio Hatoyama, Japanese Prime Minister, and Sadakazu Tanigaki, a party leader of Japan's largest opposition party, are also Twitter users.
Japanese people who are interested in selective mutism also use Twitter. Some of them are members of a Japanese support group for selective mutism and share information about the group activities.
* My mixi and Twitter pages *
I also use mixi and Twitter. All my posts are Japanese, not English, though. But I don't join any community on mixi. I only keep a diary on mixi to record updates of my website. I don't also communicate with people through Twitter very much. Usually I tweet to myself.
My mixi and Twitter pages are here. I'm afraid you can't access my mixi page unless you're a mixi member.
http://mixi.jp/show_friend.pl?id=8699233
http://twitter.com/nesamimus
Index of SM in Japan
Popular SNS among them are mixi and Twitter. Facebook and Myspace are not so popular among Japanese people.
* mixi *
Mixi is the most popular social networking site among Japanese. Mixi is a Japanese website, so I guess most users are Japanese.
For more detail about Mixi, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixi
At present there are 6 communities about selective mutism on mixi. The largest community has over 260 users.
* Twitter *
Twitter is also popular among Japanese people. Yukio Hatoyama, Japanese Prime Minister, and Sadakazu Tanigaki, a party leader of Japan's largest opposition party, are also Twitter users.
Japanese people who are interested in selective mutism also use Twitter. Some of them are members of a Japanese support group for selective mutism and share information about the group activities.
* My mixi and Twitter pages *
I also use mixi and Twitter. All my posts are Japanese, not English, though. But I don't join any community on mixi. I only keep a diary on mixi to record updates of my website. I don't also communicate with people through Twitter very much. Usually I tweet to myself.
My mixi and Twitter pages are here. I'm afraid you can't access my mixi page unless you're a mixi member.
http://mixi.jp/show_friend.pl?id=8699233
http://twitter.com/nesamimus
Index of SM in Japan
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Do Japanese children with selective mutism show their symptoms later?
Comparing researches on selective mutism in Japan with that in Western countries, I found that there are differences in age of onset. Reported average age of onset in Japan is higher than that in Western countries. In Japan, average age of onset is about 5 years old. On the other hand, in Western countries, average age of onset is about 3 years old.
There are a small number of researches that report age of onset, so it may be premature to conclude that Japanese children with selective mutism show their symptoms later. But I'm curious about the difference.
[The average age of onset of SM and SM literature]
Here are major researches that report the age of onset of selective mutism. Regrettably, I can't collect all reports.
I write the average and standard deviation of age of onset here as possible. But some researches doesn't report them. In that case, I calculate them. And in some cases, the age of onset are reported to be a-b years. (e.g. 3-5 years). In that case, I regard it a+b/2 years (e.g. 4 years).
[Points keep in mind when comparing the age of onset]
* Diagnostic criteria
There are many studies on selective mutism, but old researches, especially Japanese ones, tend to use various diagnostic criteria. On the other hand, recent researches, especially Western ones, tend to use standardized diagnostic criteria, such as DSM and ICD. So, it is difficult to make a simple comparison of them.
* Subjects
The average age of onset depend on subjects. For instance, like Elizur et al. (2003), the average age of onset can't be old if children were recruited from preschools. On the other hand, like Minami et al. (1987) or Ichitani et al. (1973), the average age of onset can be older if children were recruited from child consultation centers which aim at children under 18 years.
[SM literature in Japan]
* Shiina et al., 1998
The average age of onset is 4.9 years. 38 out of 46 cases presented symptoms from 2 to 7 years. The data is based on case studies published from 1980 to 1996.
* Souma, 1991
25 out of 35 cases presented symptoms before they enroll in elementary school. The data is based on case studies published from 1980 to 1989.
* Minami et al., 1987
The average age of onset is 5.0 and standard deviation is 2.3 except 2 unclear cases. 28 cases showed their symptoms first in their childhood (3-5 years). 3 cases showed their symptoms first when they were in elementary school (6-11 years). 2 cases showed their symptoms first at puberty (after age 12). 1 case was unclear. The data is based on patients who receive medical consultation at Kyoto City child consultation center from fiscal 1960 to 1987.
* Muramoto, 1983
Out of 17 cases, the average age of onset is 6.4 years and standard deviation is 2.8 years. 3 cases were 3 years. 2 cases were 4 years. 2 cases were 5 years. 3 cases were 6 years. 2 cases were 7 years. 1 case were 8 years. 1 case was 11 years. 1 case was 13 years. The data is based on questionnaire survey conducted at public elementary and junior high schools in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, northern Japan.
* Oi et al., 1979
Out of 24 cases, the average age of onset is 3.8 years and standard deviation is 0.8 years except 1 unclear case. 9 cases were 3 years. 10 cases were 4 years. 3 cases were 5 years. 1 case was 6 years. The data is based on patients Oi was related to intensively at child psychiatry clinic at Nagoya University and Kusunoki Gakuen, a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed children.
* Araki, 1979
Out of 34 cases, the average age of onset is 5.9 years and standard deviation is 2.2 years. 1 case was 2 years. 2 cases were 3 years. 6 cases were 4 years. 7 cases were 5 years. 11 cases were 6 years. 1 case was 7-8 years. 6 cases were 9-11 years. The data is based on patients who visited department of psychiatry at Kyushu University from 1963 to 1976.
* Ichitani et al., 1973
Out of 20 cases, the average age of onset is 5.4 years and standard deviation is 1.6 except 1 unclear case. 10 patients showed symptoms first when they started kindergartens or nursery schools. 5 patients showed symptoms first when they entered elementary schools. 4 patients showed symptoms first a few years after they entered elementary schools. 1 patient was unclear. The data is based on 20 elementary school students who visited Osaka City and Kyoto City child consultation centers and were diagnosed as selective mutism from May 1964 to December 1970.
[SM literature in Western countries (written in English)]
* Cunningham et al., 2004
Out of 52 cases, the average age of onset is 3.3 years. The age of onset ranged from 3 to 5. Children were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. They were recruited over a period of 9 years from a regional service providing child assessments, school consultations, and workshops for parents and teachers.
* Elizuret et al., 2003
Out of 19 cases, the average age of onset was 3 years and 4 months. Onset was significantly earlier among native children (2.7 years) versus immigrant children (3.9 years). Children were recruited from West Jerusalem's obligatory and pre-obligatory state preschools. and diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria.
* Remschmid et al., 2001
In 43 out of 45 cases, the first age of manifestation was three years. Only in two cases take, the first manifestation did place later. Children had been referred between 1964 and 1979 to the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (impatient and outpatient unit) and to the Child Guidance Clinic which works closely together with the department. They were diagnosed according to DSM-III-R criteria.
* Kristensen, 2000
Out of 54 cases, the average age of onset is 3.7 years and standard deviation is 1.7 years. Children were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria, but exclusion criteria for SM on Asperger's disorder and communication disorder were ignored to look for comorbidity. Children were recruited by mailing announcements to all 63 outpatient clinics for child and adolescent psychiatry and all 278 school psychology services in Norway.
* Dummit et al., 1997
Out of 54 cases, the average age of onset is 3.4 years and standard deviation is 1.3 years. Children were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. They were recruited through advertising and referral from local schools and the Selective Mutism Foundation.
* Steinhausen et al., 1996
Out of 100 cases, the average age of onset is 49.5 months and standard deviation is 32.5 months. In the SHG sample, the average age of onset is 43.9 months and standard deviation is 26.3 months. In the ZH sample, the average age of onset is 45.8 months and standard deviation is 25.5 months. In the B sample, the average age of onset is 63.9 months and standard deviation is 52.4 months. Children were diagnosed according to ICD-10 criteria.
SHG sample (n = 19) was personally assessed by the senior author in 1992 and 1993 because of personal contacts with a parents' self-help group that had been formed in the German-speaking cantons of Switzerland. ZH sample (n = 59) was seen between 1979 and 1992 in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Service of Canton of Zurich. B sample (n = 22) represents the entire group of electively mute children who were identified in the case files of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Free University of Berlin.
* Black et al., 1995
Out of 30 cases, the average age of onset is 2.7 years and standard deviation is 1.4 years (range: 1 through 5 years). All children satisfied the diagnostic criteria for both DSM-III-R and DSM-IV.
* Black et al., 1981
unclear.
* Hayden 1980
Sorry, I dont't understand the age of onset reported in the paper.
* Wergeland, 1979
All patients (n = 11) represented symptoms at 3 - 4 years. The age at which they were referred varied from 6 to 11 years with an average of 9 1/2 years. One of the children was referred by kindergarten staff, the other 10 by the school authorities.
Index of SM in Japan
There are a small number of researches that report age of onset, so it may be premature to conclude that Japanese children with selective mutism show their symptoms later. But I'm curious about the difference.
[The average age of onset of SM and SM literature]
Here are major researches that report the age of onset of selective mutism. Regrettably, I can't collect all reports.
I write the average and standard deviation of age of onset here as possible. But some researches doesn't report them. In that case, I calculate them. And in some cases, the age of onset are reported to be a-b years. (e.g. 3-5 years). In that case, I regard it a+b/2 years (e.g. 4 years).
[Points keep in mind when comparing the age of onset]
* Diagnostic criteria
There are many studies on selective mutism, but old researches, especially Japanese ones, tend to use various diagnostic criteria. On the other hand, recent researches, especially Western ones, tend to use standardized diagnostic criteria, such as DSM and ICD. So, it is difficult to make a simple comparison of them.
* Subjects
The average age of onset depend on subjects. For instance, like Elizur et al. (2003), the average age of onset can't be old if children were recruited from preschools. On the other hand, like Minami et al. (1987) or Ichitani et al. (1973), the average age of onset can be older if children were recruited from child consultation centers which aim at children under 18 years.
[SM literature in Japan]
* Shiina et al., 1998
The average age of onset is 4.9 years. 38 out of 46 cases presented symptoms from 2 to 7 years. The data is based on case studies published from 1980 to 1996.
* Souma, 1991
25 out of 35 cases presented symptoms before they enroll in elementary school. The data is based on case studies published from 1980 to 1989.
* Minami et al., 1987
The average age of onset is 5.0 and standard deviation is 2.3 except 2 unclear cases. 28 cases showed their symptoms first in their childhood (3-5 years). 3 cases showed their symptoms first when they were in elementary school (6-11 years). 2 cases showed their symptoms first at puberty (after age 12). 1 case was unclear. The data is based on patients who receive medical consultation at Kyoto City child consultation center from fiscal 1960 to 1987.
* Muramoto, 1983
Out of 17 cases, the average age of onset is 6.4 years and standard deviation is 2.8 years. 3 cases were 3 years. 2 cases were 4 years. 2 cases were 5 years. 3 cases were 6 years. 2 cases were 7 years. 1 case were 8 years. 1 case was 11 years. 1 case was 13 years. The data is based on questionnaire survey conducted at public elementary and junior high schools in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, northern Japan.
* Oi et al., 1979
Out of 24 cases, the average age of onset is 3.8 years and standard deviation is 0.8 years except 1 unclear case. 9 cases were 3 years. 10 cases were 4 years. 3 cases were 5 years. 1 case was 6 years. The data is based on patients Oi was related to intensively at child psychiatry clinic at Nagoya University and Kusunoki Gakuen, a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed children.
* Araki, 1979
Out of 34 cases, the average age of onset is 5.9 years and standard deviation is 2.2 years. 1 case was 2 years. 2 cases were 3 years. 6 cases were 4 years. 7 cases were 5 years. 11 cases were 6 years. 1 case was 7-8 years. 6 cases were 9-11 years. The data is based on patients who visited department of psychiatry at Kyushu University from 1963 to 1976.
* Ichitani et al., 1973
Out of 20 cases, the average age of onset is 5.4 years and standard deviation is 1.6 except 1 unclear case. 10 patients showed symptoms first when they started kindergartens or nursery schools. 5 patients showed symptoms first when they entered elementary schools. 4 patients showed symptoms first a few years after they entered elementary schools. 1 patient was unclear. The data is based on 20 elementary school students who visited Osaka City and Kyoto City child consultation centers and were diagnosed as selective mutism from May 1964 to December 1970.
[SM literature in Western countries (written in English)]
* Cunningham et al., 2004
Out of 52 cases, the average age of onset is 3.3 years. The age of onset ranged from 3 to 5. Children were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. They were recruited over a period of 9 years from a regional service providing child assessments, school consultations, and workshops for parents and teachers.
* Elizuret et al., 2003
Out of 19 cases, the average age of onset was 3 years and 4 months. Onset was significantly earlier among native children (2.7 years) versus immigrant children (3.9 years). Children were recruited from West Jerusalem's obligatory and pre-obligatory state preschools. and diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria.
* Remschmid et al., 2001
In 43 out of 45 cases, the first age of manifestation was three years. Only in two cases take, the first manifestation did place later. Children had been referred between 1964 and 1979 to the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (impatient and outpatient unit) and to the Child Guidance Clinic which works closely together with the department. They were diagnosed according to DSM-III-R criteria.
* Kristensen, 2000
Out of 54 cases, the average age of onset is 3.7 years and standard deviation is 1.7 years. Children were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria, but exclusion criteria for SM on Asperger's disorder and communication disorder were ignored to look for comorbidity. Children were recruited by mailing announcements to all 63 outpatient clinics for child and adolescent psychiatry and all 278 school psychology services in Norway.
* Dummit et al., 1997
Out of 54 cases, the average age of onset is 3.4 years and standard deviation is 1.3 years. Children were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. They were recruited through advertising and referral from local schools and the Selective Mutism Foundation.
* Steinhausen et al., 1996
Out of 100 cases, the average age of onset is 49.5 months and standard deviation is 32.5 months. In the SHG sample, the average age of onset is 43.9 months and standard deviation is 26.3 months. In the ZH sample, the average age of onset is 45.8 months and standard deviation is 25.5 months. In the B sample, the average age of onset is 63.9 months and standard deviation is 52.4 months. Children were diagnosed according to ICD-10 criteria.
SHG sample (n = 19) was personally assessed by the senior author in 1992 and 1993 because of personal contacts with a parents' self-help group that had been formed in the German-speaking cantons of Switzerland. ZH sample (n = 59) was seen between 1979 and 1992 in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Service of Canton of Zurich. B sample (n = 22) represents the entire group of electively mute children who were identified in the case files of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Free University of Berlin.
* Black et al., 1995
Out of 30 cases, the average age of onset is 2.7 years and standard deviation is 1.4 years (range: 1 through 5 years). All children satisfied the diagnostic criteria for both DSM-III-R and DSM-IV.
* Black et al., 1981
unclear.
* Hayden 1980
Sorry, I dont't understand the age of onset reported in the paper.
* Wergeland, 1979
All patients (n = 11) represented symptoms at 3 - 4 years. The age at which they were referred varied from 6 to 11 years with an average of 9 1/2 years. One of the children was referred by kindergarten staff, the other 10 by the school authorities.
Index of SM in Japan
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Selective Mutism in the media (Japan)
Selective mutism is sometimes featured in the media in English-speaking countries. For example, in America, the big three networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) all have featured selective mutism. In the UK, Channel 4 has featured selective mutism. In addition to the TV media, newspapers (e.g. The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Times, The Guardian, etc.) and magazines (e.g. TIME, People, etc.) also have featured the anxiety disorder.
But when it comes to the Japanese media, I seldom heard such things. As far as I know, Yomiuri Shimbun, the largest newspaper circulation in the world, featured selective mutism in 1986 and 1988. In 1988 NHK, Japan's national public broadcasting organization, also featured it. Major Japanese media featured selective mutism in the late 80's, because Minoru Yamamoto, a professor at Yamagata University, published books about selective mutism then. But except for that period, the term "selective mutism (Bamen Kanmoku in Japanese)" rarely appeared in the Japanese media.
Recently however, local editions of Japanese major newspapers featured selective mutism. The Asahi Shimbun (2008), The Mainichi Shimbun (2009) and The Chunichi Shimbun (2009) featured selective mutism. In every case Knet, a Japanese selective mutism support group established in 2007, was involved. In addition to that, The Chugoku Shimbun (October 7th 2009) featured selective mutism in response to a request from a former sufferer of selective mutism. And The Asahi Shimbun (2007) printed a contribution from a reader who appealed for help to children with selective mutism.
There seem to be a growing consciousness among Japanese people involved in selective mutism that awareness of selective mutism should be raised, so they encourage the media to feature the anxiety disorder.
Index of SM in Japan
But when it comes to the Japanese media, I seldom heard such things. As far as I know, Yomiuri Shimbun, the largest newspaper circulation in the world, featured selective mutism in 1986 and 1988. In 1988 NHK, Japan's national public broadcasting organization, also featured it. Major Japanese media featured selective mutism in the late 80's, because Minoru Yamamoto, a professor at Yamagata University, published books about selective mutism then. But except for that period, the term "selective mutism (Bamen Kanmoku in Japanese)" rarely appeared in the Japanese media.
Recently however, local editions of Japanese major newspapers featured selective mutism. The Asahi Shimbun (2008), The Mainichi Shimbun (2009) and The Chunichi Shimbun (2009) featured selective mutism. In every case Knet, a Japanese selective mutism support group established in 2007, was involved. In addition to that, The Chugoku Shimbun (October 7th 2009) featured selective mutism in response to a request from a former sufferer of selective mutism. And The Asahi Shimbun (2007) printed a contribution from a reader who appealed for help to children with selective mutism.
There seem to be a growing consciousness among Japanese people involved in selective mutism that awareness of selective mutism should be raised, so they encourage the media to feature the anxiety disorder.
Index of SM in Japan
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Mutism identity
One Japanese psychiatrist proposed a concept "mutism identity" in his paper (Araki, 1979).
I can partly sympathize with him. When I had selective mutism, I gradually thought my mutism was an identity.
That was a hindrance for me to overcome my selective mutism, because suppose my mutism was an identity, disappearing mutism meant I lose my identity. So, it was fearful for me to overcome selective mutism.
But I didn't know selective mutism at that time. If I knew I didn't speak because I suffered from an anxiety disorder "selective mutism," maybe I didn't think my mutism was an identy. But I would have thought my mutism was a kind of mental illness that could be treated.
This is just my case. I don't know whether other children or young people with prolonged mutism also think mutism as their identity.
[Reference]
Araki, F. (1979). Some psychopathological observations on mutism originating in childhood. Japanese Journal of Child Psychiatry, 20(5), 290-304.
Index of SM in Japan
If children with selective mutism continue to be mute, some of them finally think living with mutism is a lifestyle they elect (mutism identity), for instance, "I decided to do nothing to creative until I got to be able to speak. (case 22)"
I can partly sympathize with him. When I had selective mutism, I gradually thought my mutism was an identity.
That was a hindrance for me to overcome my selective mutism, because suppose my mutism was an identity, disappearing mutism meant I lose my identity. So, it was fearful for me to overcome selective mutism.
But I didn't know selective mutism at that time. If I knew I didn't speak because I suffered from an anxiety disorder "selective mutism," maybe I didn't think my mutism was an identy. But I would have thought my mutism was a kind of mental illness that could be treated.
This is just my case. I don't know whether other children or young people with prolonged mutism also think mutism as their identity.
[Reference]
Araki, F. (1979). Some psychopathological observations on mutism originating in childhood. Japanese Journal of Child Psychiatry, 20(5), 290-304.
Index of SM in Japan
Saturday, April 25, 2009
"Silent Children - Approaches to Selective Mutism" is translated into Japanese
Bamen kanmoku heno approach, a new Japanese book and DVD about selective mutism, was published on March 31.
The book is a collection of writings by many authors, such as Chair of Smira (Selective Mutism Information and Research Association), parents, a special education specialist, a professor emeritus at an university, and so on.
And the DVD accompanying the book is the first Japanese DVD devoted to selective mutism, as far as I know.
The book and DVD is a Japanese translation of Silent Children - Approaches to Selective Mutism, written and produced by SMIRA in conjunction with Leicester University Department of Education.
SMIRA is a UK based support group for children with selective mutism, their parents and so on.
* * * * * * * * * *
Also in Japan, there are two support groups established within a few years. Knet, one of them, translated Silent Children with the help of SMIRA.
Until recently, there was only one Japanese book written by professionals that made selective mutism the main theme. The book is Bamen Kanmokuji no Shinri to Shido (Psychology and guidance of children with selective mutism), published in 1994.
In 2007, a Canadian book Helping your child with selective mutism was translated into Japanese and published. Association of Selective Mutism in Japan, another support group in Japan, was concerned in the publication.
In 2008, Knet wrote Bamen kanmoku Q & A (What is Selective Mutism?).
Half of them is translation. I think that is because Japan have few know-how about selective mutism.
Index of SM in Japan
The book is a collection of writings by many authors, such as Chair of Smira (Selective Mutism Information and Research Association), parents, a special education specialist, a professor emeritus at an university, and so on.
And the DVD accompanying the book is the first Japanese DVD devoted to selective mutism, as far as I know.
The book and DVD is a Japanese translation of Silent Children - Approaches to Selective Mutism, written and produced by SMIRA in conjunction with Leicester University Department of Education.
SMIRA is a UK based support group for children with selective mutism, their parents and so on.
* * * * * * * * * *
Also in Japan, there are two support groups established within a few years. Knet, one of them, translated Silent Children with the help of SMIRA.
Until recently, there was only one Japanese book written by professionals that made selective mutism the main theme. The book is Bamen Kanmokuji no Shinri to Shido (Psychology and guidance of children with selective mutism), published in 1994.
In 2007, a Canadian book Helping your child with selective mutism was translated into Japanese and published. Association of Selective Mutism in Japan, another support group in Japan, was concerned in the publication.
In 2008, Knet wrote Bamen kanmoku Q & A (What is Selective Mutism?).
Half of them is translation. I think that is because Japan have few know-how about selective mutism.
Index of SM in Japan
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Japanese culture and mutism
Japanese society indulge people who cannot speak well.
Fukuda, K. (1991). Hanashibeta Sayounara. Tokyo: Nippon Jitsugyo Publishing.
I differ from Mr. Fukuda in opinion, but I agree that Japanese society seems to be generous to mute people.
In some cases silence is even a virtue in Japan.
For instance, Ishin-denshin is a word that characterizes Japanese culture. When people can understand each other although they don't talk at all, that is Ishin-denshin. Traditionally, Japanese people have seen Ishin-denshin as a virtue.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishin-denshin
(New window open)
One typical advice to Japanese people who are going to English spoken countries is that people in these countries don't understand what you think unless you say it definitely. Japanese people tend to think people guess what they think even if they say nothing.
A proverb "Silence is golden" is also famous among Japanese as Chinmoku ha kin. In addition, there is a similar proverb in Japan Kenja ha mokushite katarazu (Smart people don't speak).
Since Japanese society seems to be generous to mute people, maybe Japanese children with selective mutism don't have severe difficulties as those children in the West. In such society, fewer people view selective mutism as a problem. That may be one reason why fewer researchers study selective mutism in Japan.
But recently virtue of silence has been lost.
And as far as I read from Japanese websites about selective mutism, many former or current sufferers have troubled by the disorder.
Selective mutism is a severe problem also in Japan.
Index of SM in Japan
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Do you make an effort to overcome your selective mutism?
When Japanese people with selective mutism or former sufferers gather on the Internet, they sometimes argue about whether they made an effort to overcome selective mutism.
People who think they conquered selective mutism by themselves sometimes blame selective mutism sufferers. They think sufferers can't speak because sufferers don't make enough effort. I don't know what they call "effort" but I suppose they meant to say sufferers can overcome selective mutism by themselves if they try hard to speak or mingle with peers.
If people use selective mutism as an excuse for not speaking, some Japanese people say it's amae with contempt. Not only people who don't understand selective mutism, but former sufferers also do.
I'm also a former sufferer. But I don't think sufferers don't make enough effort. I think it's too much to encourage them to speak. They can't speak rather than don't speak because of anxiety. So, it's inappropriate to label them as amaeteiru with contempt. In addition, if someone force sufferers to utter words, sufferers get more anxious, and their symptoms worsen.
Index of SM in Japan
People who think they conquered selective mutism by themselves sometimes blame selective mutism sufferers. They think sufferers can't speak because sufferers don't make enough effort. I don't know what they call "effort" but I suppose they meant to say sufferers can overcome selective mutism by themselves if they try hard to speak or mingle with peers.
If people use selective mutism as an excuse for not speaking, some Japanese people say it's amae with contempt. Not only people who don't understand selective mutism, but former sufferers also do.
I'm also a former sufferer. But I don't think sufferers don't make enough effort. I think it's too much to encourage them to speak. They can't speak rather than don't speak because of anxiety. So, it's inappropriate to label them as amaeteiru with contempt. In addition, if someone force sufferers to utter words, sufferers get more anxious, and their symptoms worsen.
Index of SM in Japan
Monday, October 13, 2008
Selective Mutism Awareness Week in Japan?
Selective Mutism Information and Research Association (SMIRA), a UK based support group for selective mutism, run Selective Mutism Awareness Week from October 5th to 12th.
According to the website of SMIRA, it did many activities to raise awareness of selective mutism. One effort is working on the media to cover selective mutism. Thanks to the effort, many news articles about selective mutism were published in the UK. You can find articles at http://news.google.com/.
* * * * * * * * * *
A Canadian support group for selective mutism coincided with the campaign. It held a Selective Mutism Awareness Walk.
But no Japanese support group coincided with the campaign, because there are no support groups in Japan that have enough power to run such massive campaign yet. I expect Japanese support groups to conduct such big campaign someday.
Index of SM in Japan
According to the website of SMIRA, it did many activities to raise awareness of selective mutism. One effort is working on the media to cover selective mutism. Thanks to the effort, many news articles about selective mutism were published in the UK. You can find articles at http://news.google.com/.
* * * * * * * * * *
A Canadian support group for selective mutism coincided with the campaign. It held a Selective Mutism Awareness Walk.
But no Japanese support group coincided with the campaign, because there are no support groups in Japan that have enough power to run such massive campaign yet. I expect Japanese support groups to conduct such big campaign someday.
Index of SM in Japan
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Selective mutism and Taijin kyofusho
Taijin Kyofusho is a "culturally distinctive phobia in Japan." (DSM-IV) It resembles social phobia or anthrophobia.
I guess many Japanese children with selective mutism are comorbid with Taijin Kyofusho. According to the literature in the West, most children with selective mutism have social phobia. In addition, I've seen former mutism sufferers who seem to have Taijin Kyofusho on the Internet.
But as far as I know, few Japanese researchers point out the relationship between selective mutism and Taijin Kyofusho.
Unlike researchers in the West, Japanese researchers aren't interested in the relationship between selective mutism and anxiety disorder very much. Some Japanese researchers cite the literature in the West and argue most children with selective mutism have anxiety disorder or selective mutism is an anxiety disorder. But as far as I know, none of them research on them by themselves.
Index of SM in Japan
I guess many Japanese children with selective mutism are comorbid with Taijin Kyofusho. According to the literature in the West, most children with selective mutism have social phobia. In addition, I've seen former mutism sufferers who seem to have Taijin Kyofusho on the Internet.
But as far as I know, few Japanese researchers point out the relationship between selective mutism and Taijin Kyofusho.
Unlike researchers in the West, Japanese researchers aren't interested in the relationship between selective mutism and anxiety disorder very much. Some Japanese researchers cite the literature in the West and argue most children with selective mutism have anxiety disorder or selective mutism is an anxiety disorder. But as far as I know, none of them research on them by themselves.
Index of SM in Japan
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Mazakon
Mazakon is a Japanese slang originated from a psychological term Mather Complex. Generally infant boys have an attachment to their mothers. But when they arrive at puberty but had an attachment to their mothers yet, they' are viewed as Mazakon with disdain. Most Japanese girls and young women hate Mazakon males.
When boys arrive at puberty, they avoid their mothers. They don't want their mothers to meddle in their affairs. They are at a rebellious age. In addition, if they have close relationships with their mothers, they may be viewed as Mazakon and be disliked by girls. And they may be teased by boys.
As a boy, I also disliked my mother interfering in my affairs when I was in poverty. When she did so, my self-esteem was badly damaged. And I was anxious about my future because I thought my mother's intervention might hinder my independence.
* * * * * * * * * *
I don't mean to say Japanese adolescent boys with selective mutism receiving some support from their mothers are Mazakon. But generally they don't want their mothers to interfere with them.
I think they also need some supports from their parents. Children with selective mutism can't encourage people to get proper support by themselves. I suppose they also realize they need supports from their parents although they may resist it.
If possible, it's preferable to lend a helping hand to boys while give attention to their sense of independence. But it's not easy.
If early intervention is made and they overcome selective mutism early in life, mothers don't have to worry about such a thing.
Index of SM in Japan
When boys arrive at puberty, they avoid their mothers. They don't want their mothers to meddle in their affairs. They are at a rebellious age. In addition, if they have close relationships with their mothers, they may be viewed as Mazakon and be disliked by girls. And they may be teased by boys.
As a boy, I also disliked my mother interfering in my affairs when I was in poverty. When she did so, my self-esteem was badly damaged. And I was anxious about my future because I thought my mother's intervention might hinder my independence.
* * * * * * * * * *
I don't mean to say Japanese adolescent boys with selective mutism receiving some support from their mothers are Mazakon. But generally they don't want their mothers to interfere with them.
I think they also need some supports from their parents. Children with selective mutism can't encourage people to get proper support by themselves. I suppose they also realize they need supports from their parents although they may resist it.
If possible, it's preferable to lend a helping hand to boys while give attention to their sense of independence. But it's not easy.
If early intervention is made and they overcome selective mutism early in life, mothers don't have to worry about such a thing.
Index of SM in Japan
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Sentakusei Kanmoku, Bamen Kanmoku
I sometimes envy people in English-speaking countries.
In Japan we call selective mutism Sentakusei Kanmoku or Bamen Kanmoku. They're very difficult words to spell and read.
I guess even many native Japanese can't spell or read these words. That's one reason why few Japanese know selective mutism. These words appear on a Japanese book Can you read these Kanji? -Check your degree of Japanese-.
It's difficult to change the words, because these words take root among child psychiatrist, educational psychologist, educator, etc.
On the other hand, people in English-speaking countries call selective mutism "SM." How simple!
Index of SM in Japan
In Japan we call selective mutism Sentakusei Kanmoku or Bamen Kanmoku. They're very difficult words to spell and read.
I guess even many native Japanese can't spell or read these words. That's one reason why few Japanese know selective mutism. These words appear on a Japanese book Can you read these Kanji? -Check your degree of Japanese-.
It's difficult to change the words, because these words take root among child psychiatrist, educational psychologist, educator, etc.
On the other hand, people in English-speaking countries call selective mutism "SM." How simple!
Index of SM in Japan
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