catatonia
Pronunciation: kat-uh-TOE-nee-uh
A neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by psychomotor immobility and behavioral abnormalities.
Full Definition
Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome involving disturbances in motor behavior, speech, and volition. Classic presentations include stupor (marked reduction in movement and speech), catalepsy (passive maintenance of postures), waxy flexibility (limbs maintaining positions when moved by examiner), and negativism (resistance to instructions). Excited catatonia may present with agitation and excessive motor activity. The condition can occur in various psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and medical conditions. Recognition is important as catatonia can be life-threatening but is highly treatable with benzodiazepines or ECT.
Usage
Usage note: Can be used as both a noun (catatonia) and adjective (catatonic). Distinguish from simple stupor or psychomotor retardation.
In Context
- "The patient presented with catatonia, maintaining rigid postures for hours without movement." — Emergency department consultation
- "Lorazepam challenge confirmed the diagnosis of catatonia with rapid symptom improvement." — Treatment response note