This can involve stupor, mutism, negativism, or motor rigidity, and even purposeless excitement.
It was previously one of the subtypes of schizophrenia.
Catatonia can also occur in other conditions.
Verywell / Chelsea Damraksa
Signs of catatonia often include an inability to move or speak.
People experiencing it may appear rigid, repeat words, or perform strange movements.
If a person is experiencing catatonia, seeing a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations is important.
Schizophrenia is typically treated with medications, but electroconvulsive therapy is also sometimes recommended.
This can last for hours or even days if left untreated.
Catatonia can also cause a person to perform strange movements.
In addition to a lack of mobility, erratic and extreme movement is possible in catatonic behavior.
Parrot-like repetition or echoing of words, known as echolalia, is also a common catatonic behavior.
There are no labs or tests to diagnose catatonic symptoms.
During the psychiatric evaluation, the individual will be asked questions about their thoughts and behaviors.
A psychiatrist will attempt to discover how long they have been experiencing the symptoms in question.
What Causes Catatonic Behavior?
The exact causes of catatonic behavior are not clear.
There is also no single cause of schizophrenia or other conditions that are sometimes accompanied by catatonic symptoms.
Estimates suggest that between 9% and 17% of people with acute psychiatric illness experience catatonia.
While there’s no cure, there are treatment methods that can help people better manage their symptoms.
Because these drugs are fast-acting, they can often relieve catatonic symptoms quite quickly.
However, they can be habit-forming when used as a long-term treatment.
There is some debate around the use of antipsychotics in catatonia.
Research has shown that ECT has an 80% to 100% efficacy rate in treating catatonia.
Coping With Catatonic Behavior
Witnessing someone experience catatonic behavior with schizophrenia is certainly scary.
Sticking to the treatment plan will help ensure that schizophrenia is well-managed and controlled.
Takeaways
Getting a proper diagnosis and complying with treatment is key to coping with catatonic behavior.
While schizophrenia is a lifelong disease, catatonia can be controlled.
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