Emotional Mutism: What It Is And What Are Its Symptoms
Emotions are essential for human beings. That is why psychology has always been interested in these, in how they influence our thinking, our behavior, our relationships and even our mental health.
In recent decades, the concept of emotional intelligence has been gaining ground in the world of behavioral science since research confirms time and time again that the correct expression and regulation of emotions favors the mental well-being of individuals. However, some individuals may have difficulties regarding their emotions. This is what is known as emotional mutism.
Emotional mutism is a concept that is often used to refer to Alexithymia, which is the inability to express our own emotions and which may be a consequence of some neurological disorder or pathology, for example, conduct disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
But emotional mutism does not affect all people the same, as there are two types of mutism: primary and secondary. Primary mutism is the most serious and is caused by a brain injury. For example, due to a stroke or multiple sclerosis. Likewise, symptoms of emotional mutism can appear in individuals with autism or Parkinson’s (during the first stage of development). Patients with ADHD can also suffer from this disorder.
Secondary emotional mutism is that which has its origin in poor learning or is a consequence of some disorder. that makes correct emotional recognition and expression impossible. For example. post-traumatic stress that appears after sexual abuse. Studies affirm that 30% of individuals affected with some psychological disorder may suffer from emotional mutism.
Although emotional mutism can appear as a lack of emotional expression, The problem is much deeper, since the lack of expression also has to do with problems identifying emotions and interpretation of the minds of others (theory of mind), that is, their thoughts or emotional states.
In summary, the symptoms of emotional mutism are:
Although emotional mutism does not appear in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), these symptoms are characteristic of many psychological disorders. Emotional mutism is not necessarily a pathology, but can appear as part of a disorder or as a result of some brain injury.
Types of emotional mutism
As I mentioned in the previous lines, emotional mutism can appear for different reasons.
These causes serve to classify the different types of emotional mutism. There is primary and secondary emotional mutism.
Primary emotional mutism
The causes of primary emotional mutism are biological, that is, there is a neurological deficit that affects the connection between the limbic system and the neocortex, for example. The limbic system manages emotions and the neocortex could be said to be our emotional brain. However, primary emotional mutism can also appear due to a problem in communication between the right hemisphere and the left hemisphere. Very broadly, we could say that the first regulates emotions and the second regulates language.
The origin of these events may be hereditary, or it may be due to a neurological disease such as Parkinson’s.
Secondary emotional mutism
This type of emotional mutism usually appears as a consequence of a traumatic experience. in which the person has suffered so much that they can be affected. For example, in the case of post-traumatic stress caused by a rape or experiences of war, etc.
However, emotional mutism also appears as a symptom of other psychopathologies or poor learning, for example, in the case of depressive disorder, poor emotional education or different eating disorders.
Treatment and intervention
The treatment of emotional mutism can be complex, mainly because the patient will rarely seek help, but rather a family member or friend will participate in the request for assistance. The reason why the affected person does not seek help is due to a lack of awareness of the problem. This makes the family indispensable in these cases. Only with their collaboration and support can the treatment be effective.
Because the causes can be varied, the treatment can also be varied. However, the intervention is usually carried out with three options: the administration of drugs (when the individual suffers from primary emotional mutism), psychotherapy and a planned life strategy (which is why family support is so important).
Psychological therapy may be different depending on the type of emotional mutism. since those treatment strategies focused on improving emotional intelligence may only be effective for secondary emotional mutism.
The development of empathy has also been shown to be effective in patients affected by ADHD. In these cases, some of the activities that can be carried out are:
