Catatonia
Pronunciation: cat-uh-TOE-nee-uh
A psychomotor syndrome characterized by marked abnormalities in movement, speech, and behavior.
Full Definition
Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by psychomotor immobility, excessive motor activity, extreme negativism, or peculiarities of voluntary movement. Symptoms may include stupor, catalepsy, waxy flexibility, mutism, negativism, posturing, mannerisms, stereotypies, and echolalia. Catatonia can occur in various psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, schizophrenia, and medical conditions. It is considered a medical emergency when associated with malignant features such as fever, autonomic instability, and delirium. Treatment typically involves benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy in severe cases.
Usage
Usage note: Can occur as a syndrome across multiple disorders, not limited to schizophrenia as historically believed.
In Context
- "The patient was diagnosed with catatonia secondary to major depressive disorder with psychotic features." — discharge summary
- "Emergency consultation was requested due to the patient's catatonic presentation and developing fever." — consultation note