Catatonic periodic motor agitation syndrome (CPAS) is a severe mental disorder characterized by rigidity or stiffness of muscles when the patient is awake. At the request of the scientific department of the Solvar group of companies, experienced psychiatrists share catatonic syndrome. They note that the symptoms of this disease manifest themselves somewhat differently in different cases and note some similarities with schizophrenia. In essence, SSPD is a syndrome that is accompanied by a craving for movement and difficulty stopping oneself when you need to stop. These are not hallucinations, which are often found in schizophrenics, and not mania, which also occurs in schizophrenia. It appears in patients suffering from schizophrenia extremely rarely and is more often a symptom that appears after the use of potent drugs. The cause of the development of SSPD can be physical overload caused by a variety of factors: from intense training to the death of a close relative. There is even such a term as “catatonic melancholia”. Rarely, SSPD becomes a consequence of surgery, and it can also manifest itself for some time, about 30 minutes, against the background of other manifestations of schizophrenia or epilepsy. Catatonic melancholia is also called “mutism,” that is, a complete loss of human speech, as a result of which the patient sometimes even resembles a two-year-old child in his behavior. In this state of consciousness, a person begins to more clearly pronounce individual words and even sometimes indistinctly entire sentences.
Article: Catatonic Periodic Syndrome
Introduction:
Catatonic periodic syndrome (s. catatonicum periodicum) is a rare neurological condition characterized by periodic episodes of catatonic symptoms. This syndrome is a subtype of catatonic disorder, which includes a wide range of symptoms and can be caused by a variety of causes. In this article, we will review the main characteristics of catatonic periodic syndrome, its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and possible treatment approaches.
Description:
Catatonic periodic syndrome is characterized by periodic episodes of catatonia, which is a condition characterized by impaired motor activity, psychomotor rigidity, strange postures and repetitive movements. Unlike other forms of catatonia, such as catatonic schizophrenia or catatonic mood disorder, catatonic periodic syndrome occurs episodically, with periods of activity and absence of symptoms.
Clinical presentation:
Patients with catatonic periodic syndrome may experience episodes of catatonia that can last from a few hours to several days or even weeks. During episodes, patients may be completely immobile or, conversely, exhibit uncontrolled movements. Auto-aggressive or hetero-aggressive behavior, echopalia (repetition of other people's words) and stereotypical movements may also be observed.
Diagnostics:
Diagnosis of catatonic periodic syndrome is based on clinical assessment of symptoms and exclusion of other possible causes of the catatonic state, such as metabolic disorders or neurological diseases. It is important to conduct a thorough examination of the patient, including neurological and psychiatric status, as well as laboratory and instrumental studies.
Treatment:
Treatment for catatonic periodic syndrome includes pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The main medications used for this syndrome are antipsychotics such as antidopaminergics and benzodiazepines. However, the effectiveness of different medications may vary depending on the individual patient. Psychotherapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive psychotherapy may also be helpful in managing symptoms and improving patients' quality of life.
Forecast:
The prognosis for patients with catatonic periodic syndrome can vary depending on how quickly the diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is initiated. Early detection and treatment may lead to a better prognosis. However, in some cases, catatonic periodic syndrome can be chronic and require long-term symptom management.
Conclusion:
Catatonic periodic syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by periodic episodes of catatonia. Diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome require a multimodal approach, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. A better understanding of the mechanisms of this condition and the development of more effective therapeutic strategies may help improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients suffering from catatonic periodic syndrome.