| Course | DNP 675 Management of Common Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Module | Module 2 |
| Paper type | Discussion board review post and reply |
| Length | About 413 words |
| Format | Discussion post with APA 7 citations |
| School | Arizona State University |
| Program | Doctor of Nursing Practice |
| Updated | October 2026 |
Free sample paper for DNP 675 Module 2
Anxiety Disorder Review: Selective Mutism
Talking at Home, Silent at School: A Review of Selective Mutism for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Review
What it is. Selective mutism is a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations where speech is expected, such as school, despite speaking in other settings, lasting at least a month beyond the first month of school and interfering with education or social communication. It is not explained by a lack of knowledge of the language or by a communication disorder, and it is classified among the anxiety disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Many affected children also meet criteria for social anxiety disorder (Muris & Ollendick, 2015).
How it differs. Shy children speak quietly or after warming up; children with selective mutism may not speak at all at school for months. Children newly learning English may be silent while acquiring the language, which is not selective mutism. Speech and language disorders and autism must be considered, so a speech and language evaluation is often part of the workup.
Assessment. Because the child may not speak in the office, history from parents and teachers is essential, along with observing the child with a parent. Home video of the child speaking can confirm normal speech. I would ask where, with whom and how much the child speaks, and screen for other anxiety and for developmental concerns.
Treatment. Behavioral approaches are first line. They use graded exposure to speaking: small steps from nonverbal communication to whispering to speaking with one person and then a group, with rewards and techniques such as gradually bringing a new person into a setting where the child already speaks. In a randomized pilot trial, integrated behavior therapy delivered at home and school led to increased functional speaking, and 75% of treated children were rated responders by blind evaluators, with gains maintained at three months, while a waitlist group did not improve (Bergman et al., 2013). Medication may be considered for children with severe or persistent symptoms or significant co-occurring anxiety, alongside behavioral treatment rather than instead of it.
Why it matters for us. Selective mutism is often mistaken for defiance. Explaining to families and schools that it is anxiety, not refusal, is one of the most helpful things a nurse practitioner can do.
Reply to a Classmate (Teachers)
You asked how to involve teachers. A shared plan helps, with the teacher allowing nonverbal participation at first and not pressuring the child to speak in front of the class, while practicing small speaking steps privately.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Bergman, R. L., Gonzalez, A., Piacentini, J., & Keller, M. L. (2013). Integrated behavior therapy for selective mutism: A randomized controlled pilot study. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 51(10), 680-689. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2013.07.003
Muris, P., & Ollendick, T. H. (2015). Children who are anxious in silence: A review on selective mutism, the new anxiety disorder in DSM-5. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 18(2), 151-169. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-015-0181-y
Reading the DNP 675 Module 2 assignment instructions
The posted syllabus lists the Anxiety Disorder Review among the course's eleven graded discussion boards, each worth 5 points, which together make up 30% of the grade alongside the immersions and the autism reflection. The details of the review, including how disorders are assigned and the expected length, are in Canvas. Expect to present one anxiety disorder to classmates with its criteria, how it differs from similar conditions, how to assess it, evidence-based treatment and the role of medication, and then answer questions or comments from peers. Because classmates will use your review as a reference, accuracy and clear organization matter, and an uncommon disorder can be especially useful to the group.
How this DNP 675 Module 2 example is built
The review is organized under five headings that classmates can scan: what the disorder is, with DSM criteria and its link to social anxiety; how it differs from shyness, language learning and communication disorders; assessment that relies on parents, teachers and home video; treatment, with graded speaking exposure and a pilot trial's responder rate; and why it matters in practice. A brief reply addresses working with teachers. Three sources support the review, including the DSM, a review article and a randomized pilot trial. The treatment paragraph explains graded speaking steps concretely enough that a classmate could describe them to a parent, and it reports the pilot trial's blind ratings and three-month follow-up so readers know how much weight the result can bear.
DNP 675 Module 2 rubric: what earns full marks
Disorder reviews are likely graded on accurate criteria, clear differential diagnosis, practical assessment guidance, evidence-based treatment, appropriate discussion of medication, use of sources and engagement with classmates' questions. Credit goes to reviews organized so peers can use them as a quick reference. Reporting treatment evidence with its design and results shows critical appraisal. Placing medication as an adjunct to behavioral treatment, where that reflects the evidence, shows prescribing judgment. Practical tips for families and schools add clinical value. Replies that answer classmates' questions directly round out the review. Reviews of rarer disorders also gain when they explain why the condition is often missed or mislabeled, since that knowledge changes how classmates will screen children in their own clinical sites and practicum placements.
DNP 675 Module 2 help: mistakes that cost marks
A common weakness is a review that copies DSM criteria and adds little else. Include how to assess and treat, with evidence. Another is overstating medication's role; describe the evidence for psychotherapy first where it is stronger. Choose clear headings so classmates can find information quickly. If you would like help preparing a review of the disorder you were assigned, tell the desk which one. Check whether your disorder appears in children, adults or both and address the relevant ages. Be ready to answer at least one question from a classmate. When you cite a trial, give its design and size so classmates can judge it. A one-line takeaway at the end of each section makes the review easier to use later.
Write yours, or have the desk draft it
This paper is an original model document written by our desk, not a submitted student paper and not an official Arizona State University document. Read it for the moves, then write your own to the instructions in your classroom. If you want one built to your exact prompt and rubric, the first custom sample is free and arrives in 24 to 48 hours.
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DNP 675 Module 2 questions, answered
Where can I find a free DNP 675 Module 2 sample paper?
A full DNP 675 Anxiety Disorder Review sample on selective mutism, with criteria, assessment, treatment evidence and a reply, is on this page.
What is selective mutism?
A childhood anxiety disorder in which a child consistently does not speak in certain settings, such as school, while speaking normally in others.
How is selective mutism treated?
Mainly with behavioral therapy using gradual speaking steps, rewards and coordination between home and school, with medication considered in severe cases.
How is selective mutism different from shyness?
Shy children usually speak after warming up, while children with selective mutism may not speak at school at all for long periods.
How much are DNP 675 discussion boards worth?
The posted syllabus lists eleven boards at 5 points each, 30% of the grade, including the autism reflection and the anxiety disorder review.