[1] In contrast to selective mutism, it was thought someone who was electively mute may not speak in any situation, as is usually shown in books and films.
[2] In 1877, a German physician named the disorder aphasia voluntaria to describe children who were able to speak normally but often "refused" to.
While "excessive shyness" and other anxiety-related traits were listed as associated features, predisposing factors included "maternal overprotection", intellectual disability, and trauma.
In 1994, the fourth edition of the DSM reflected the name change to selective mutism and redefined the disorder.
Though elective mutism is no longer recognized by most psychiatrists, it is a popular character element or plot point in stories and movies.