Catatonia

Catatonia is a mental syndrome characterized by episodes of mutism, stupor, or abnormal posturing. One of the signs of catatonia is “waxy flexibility” (flexibilitas cerea), when the patient’s limbs can be passively manipulated by another person and remain in a given position for a long time.

Catatonia is traditionally considered one of the main symptoms of schizophrenia. However, in recent decades in developed countries, the frequency of catatonic states in schizophrenia has decreased significantly. Currently, catatonia is more often observed in third world countries.

Although associated with schizophrenia, catatonic states can also occur in other mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder. Catatonia can also be a symptom of physical illness or caused by taking certain medications.

Catatonia is a special syndrome that is characterized by attacks of muteness, stupor, or the adoption of abnormal postures. One of the main features of catatonia is the so-called “waxy flexibility” (flexibilitas cerea), in which the patient’s limbs can make passive movements with the help of another person and then remain in the new position for a long time.

Catatonia is one of the characteristic features of schizophrenia, but can also be associated with other mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and some other mental illnesses.

Symptoms of catatonia can range from mild to severe and include:

1. Hyperactivity: moving quickly, restlessness, agitation, repeating words and movements, inability to sit still.
2. Hypoactivity: slowness of movements, inability to move, prolonged stupor, muteness.
3. Cataplexy: loss of muscle tone that can lead to falls or weakness in the limbs.
4. Echolalia: repeating words or phrases that are spoken by other people.
5. Echopraxia: repeating movements that other people do.
6. Mutism: the inability to speak words or answer questions.
7. Negativism: Refusal to cooperate or follow instructions.

Typically, catatonia is part of schizophrenia, but it can also occur in other mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and some other mental illnesses.

In addition, catatonic syndrome can be caused by some physical reasons such as infections, head injuries, strokes, brain tumors and some other diseases.

Treatment for catatonia depends on its cause. If it is associated with a mental illness, then treatment includes the use of antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy. If catatonia is caused by physical reasons, then treatment will be aimed at eliminating them.

In conclusion, catatonic syndrome is a serious mental illness that can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. If you notice symptoms of catatonia in yourself or someone close to you, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.