What is Catatonia?
Catatonia is a serious neuropsychiatric condition characterized by abnormal movement, behavior, and communication. It can occur in various mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, or even medical conditions such as infections or neurological disorders.
Common Symptoms:
Immobility or stupor (lack of movement or response)
Mutism (no speech)
Rigidity (stiff posture, resistance to movement)
Waxy flexibility (body holds positions for long periods)
Echolalia (repeating others’ words)
Echopraxia (mimicking others’ movements)
Agitation (purposeless and repetitive activity)
Types of Catatonia:
1. Retarded Catatonia – slowed movement or immobility.
2. Excited Catatonia – extreme agitation and restlessness.
3. Malignant Catatonia – severe form with fever, delirium, and risk of death.
Treatment Options:
Benzodiazepines (like lorazepam) – first-line treatment.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – effective for resistant cases.
Treating the underlying medical or psychiatric illness is essential.
Early recognition and treatment can be life-saving.