A catatonic episode is a medical emergency because of risks like dehydration, malnutrition, or self-harm.
See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.
A catatonic episode is a period of time in which a person shows abnormalities in movement, behavior, or speech that are characteristic of catatonia — a psychomotor syndrome that can appear in several mental or medical conditions (like schizophrenia, mood disorders, or neurological illness).
During a catatonic episode, a person may alternate between extreme immobility and agitation, or show peculiar postures, resistance to movement, or echoing behaviors.
Common Features of a Catatonic Episode
A person may show one or more of the following:
- Stupor: Little or no movement or response to the environment
- Mutism: Minimal or absent speech
- Negativism: Resistance to instructions or movement without explanation
- Posturing: Holding a rigid or unusual body position for long periods
- Waxy flexibility: Limbs stay in the position they’re placed by someone else
- Echolalia: Repeating others’ words
- Echopraxia: Imitating others’ movements
- Agitation: Sudden bursts of purposeless activity
- Grimacing or stereotypy: Repetitive, non-goal-directed facial expressions or movements
Causes
Catatonic episodes can occur in:
- Schizophrenia (catatonic type)
- Bipolar disorder or major depression with psychotic features
- Medical or neurological conditions (e.g., infections, metabolic disorders)See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.
- Substance use or withdrawal
Treatment
A catatonic episode is a medical emergency because of risks like dehydration, malnutrition, or self-harm.
Treatment may include:
See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.
- Treating the underlying condition (psychiatric or medical)
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 