Whats it called when a person can't talk?

Question

Sometimes you see it in the movies, the traumatised Little girl who doesn't talk or the lil boy. That's like a mental disease right? Can someone tell me the name for it? Thnx alot.

Answer 1

Do you mean catatonic?  

Answer 2

not mental but dumb

Answer 3

Usually the person would be called 'Mute.'

Although they could be in shock or something.

Answer 4

Husband.

Answer 5

mute

Answer 6

I think what you're looking for might be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  It can have a host of symptoms, including but not limited to not speaking.  If you're referring to the time immediately after the traumatic event, however, it may be shock, which is more limited in scope and normally lasts only a short time.

The above being said, I am not a doctor.  If you are looking for a proper diagnoses of an actual person, you should see a doctor or a clinical psychologist.

Answer 7

the old word for it is dumb.

no offense intended to anyone.

but the stuff for after one is traumatized may have another name.

i'm used to hearing "lost the ability to speak."

Answer 8

elective mutism

Link for more info: http://neurology.health-cares.net/electi...

Answer 9

Another word you may be referring to is Autsim, or Autistic.

Answer 10

They are mute. But determining if it's "can't speak" or "won't speak" may be a problem.

By the way, thanks for letting me see up your nose.

Answer 11

Someone who can't talk is "mute"

If they can talk, but choose not to, that is called "selective mutism" and it is a form of anxiety.

Answer 12

They are not Autistic, nor mute.  Post Tramatic Stress Disorder to the extreme case.  It is not a disease it is a reaction to an event that causes them to not speak.  Long Term it could be termed a disease.