Table of Contents
What is catatonia?
Catatonia is a disorder that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, affecting how individuals perceive and react to their surroundings. Those with catatonia often exhibit unusual responses or lack of responses to external stimuli, and the condition is characterized by impaired communication, abnormal movements, or a lack of movement.
Researchers have been studying catatonia since it was first named and described by German psychiatrist Karl Kahlbaum in 1874. However, it remains significantly underdiagnosed, in part due to historical misconceptions associating it only with schizophrenia. Diagnosis can also be challenging, as some catatonic signs overlap with other conditions.
Who does catatonia affect?
Catatonia does not discriminate based on factors such as race or gender. It is most commonly associated with various types of conditions, including psychiatric, neurological, and medical conditions. More details on these conditions can be found in the “Causes and Symptoms” section.
How common is this condition?
Research suggests that catatonia occurs in approximately 0.5% to 2.1% of individuals receiving psychiatric care. The prevalence increases to around 10% among individuals requiring inpatient mental health treatment.
How does this condition affect my body?
Catatonia disrupts specific brain functions that influence a wide range of bodily processes, including movement, senses, memory, cognitive abilities, motivation, emotions, judgment, and self-control. As a result, catatonia can manifest with various symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose.
What are the symptoms of catatonia?
Catatonia is associated with twelve officially recognized symptoms, including agitation, catalepsy, echolalia, echopraxia, grimacing, mannerism, mutism, negativism, posturing, stereotypy, stupor, and waxy flexibility. The condition’s activity levels can vary, with some individuals displaying hyperkinetic behaviors, while others exhibit hypokinetic behaviors. Malignant catatonia is a severe form that can lead to life-threatening complications.
What causes catatonia?
The exact cause of catatonia remains unclear, but it often occurs alongside other psychiatric or medical conditions. Common conditions associated with catatonia include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, autoimmune diseases, degenerative brain diseases, and more. However, catatonia itself is not contagious and cannot be spread to others.
How is catatonia diagnosed?
Diagnosing catatonia involves a combination of methods, including a neurological examination, standardized assessment tools, and various lab, diagnostic, and imaging tests. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as catatonia is always linked to another underlying psychiatric or medical condition.
How is catatonia treated, and is there a cure?
Treatment for catatonia primarily depends on the underlying conditions and may include medications, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or other potential treatments. Benzodiazepines, specifically lorazepam, are often the first-line treatment due to their high efficacy. ECT is a highly effective option, especially in cases of malignant catatonia. The choice of treatment may vary based on the individual’s specific situation.
How can I reduce my risk or prevent this?
Catatonia occurs unpredictably, and there is no known way to prevent or reduce the risk of its development. However, individuals prescribed medication for mental health conditions should continue taking their medications as stopping them may increase the risk of catatonia.
What can I expect if I have this condition?
Most people with catatonia retain some awareness of their surroundings, although they may be unable to react to them in a typical manner. Those with severe catatonia may require care from healthcare professionals due to their inability to move or respond. The duration of catatonia varies and depends on the underlying conditions and treatments received.
How do I take care of myself?
People with catatonia cannot provide self-care and should seek medical attention as soon as possible, as they are at risk of complications arising from their inability to move or react to their surroundings.
When should I see my healthcare provider, or when should I seek care?
Individuals showing signs of catatonia should seek medical care promptly, as these symptoms can also be associated with life-threatening emergencies. If a loved one displays signs of catatonia, taking them to the hospital or calling 911 may be necessary for immediate intervention. Additionally, people experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harming others should seek emergency care.
