Catatonia

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Catatonia

Catatonia (pronounced: /ˌkatəˈtoʊniə/) is a state of psycho-motor immobility and behavioral abnormality manifested by stupor. It was first described by Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum in 1874.

Etymology

The term "catatonia" comes from the Greek words "kata", meaning "down", and "tonas", meaning "tone" or "tension". Thus, it can be translated as "down tension", which reflects the reduced motor activity and responsiveness seen in this condition.

Symptoms

Catatonia is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Stupor: A state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility.
  • Catalepsy: A medical condition characterized by a trance or seizure with a loss of sensation and consciousness accompanied by rigidity of the body.
  • Waxy flexibility: A psychomotor symptom of catatonia which leads to a decreased response to stimuli and a tendency to remain in an immobile posture.
  • Mutism: The inability or refusal to speak.
  • Negativism: Resistance to attempts at being moved or manipulated into an attitude or position.

Causes

Catatonia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

  • Schizophrenia: A mental disorder characterized by abnormal behavior, strange speech, and a decreased ability to understand reality.
  • Bipolar disorder: A mental disorder that causes periods of depression and periods of abnormally elevated mood.
  • Major depressive disorder: A mental disorder characterized by at least two weeks of low mood that is present across most situations.

Treatment

Treatment for catatonia often involves treating the underlying cause. This can include the use of medications such as benzodiazepines or, in severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

See also

External links

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