Catatonic Pernicious Syndrome: Understanding and Treatment
Catatonic pernicious syndrome (s. catatonicum perniciosum) is a rare and severe mental disorder characterized by a combination of catatonic symptoms and pernicious anemia. Symptoms of this syndrome may be limited to mental symptoms only or may include physical symptoms such as pale skin, weakness, and decreased appetite.
Catatonia is a condition in which a person experiences movement disturbances, muscle stiffness, and strange posture and behavior. It can manifest itself as increased activity or complete passivity. Pernicious anemia, in turn, is a form of megaloblastic anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, which can occur due to impaired absorption of this vitamin in the gastrointestinal tract.
Catatonic pernicious syndrome can manifest in a variety of ways, including catatonic stuporous powerlessness, agitation, muscle rigidity, echolalia (repeating words from others), and echopraxia (repeating movements from others). Patients may also experience hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorders. Physical symptoms may include pale skin due to anemia, weakness, and decreased appetite.
The causes of catatonic pernicious syndrome are not fully understood, but it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development. Vitamin B12 deficiency caused by pernicious anemia can damage the nervous system and affect brain function, which in turn can cause mental disorders, including catatonia.
Treatment of catatonic pernicious syndrome involves several aspects. First of all, it is necessary to treat pernicious anemia by administering vitamin B12 and drugs that promote its absorption. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducational programs, can help patients manage catatonic symptoms and improve their quality of life. In some cases, psychopharmacotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy may also be used.
In conclusion, catatonic pernicious syndrome is a rare and serious mental disorder that combines catatonic symptoms and pernicious anemia. It can lead to significant impairment of the patient's functioning and a decrease in their quality of life. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are important aspects of managing this condition. Drug therapy, psychotherapy, and treatment of pernicious anemia play a key role in relieving symptoms and improving the well-being of patients suffering from catatonic pernicious anemia syndrome. Further research and understanding of this rare syndrome may lead to the development of more effective approaches to its diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life of patients.
**Catatonic-pernicious refractoriness syndrome** is a common type of persistent mentally conditioned primary somatic psychosyndrome, or a therapeutically resistant, in the psychosomatic sense, painful condition. The etiopathogenesis of the syndrome is closely related to hereditary