Phenelzine treatment of elective mutism: a case report.

Abstract

A 7-year-old girl with a 2-year history of elective mutism was successfully treated with phenelzine. The only side effects of treatment were mild constipation and weight gain. Talkativeness as a dopaminergic behavioral effect of phenelzine is described. On the basis of the case report and the literature, the authors raise nosologic questions concerning elective mutism and social phobia.