Catatonia

Abstract

Catatonia is a condition marked by changes in muscle tone or activity. Negative symptoms (like lack of movement) are often quickly recognized as catatonia but purposeless movements and other agitated behaviors are commonly missed. The incidence of agitation is unknown, as it is often unrecognized. There are three types of catatonia and patients may move between types. Catatonic types include (1) withdrawn or retarded, (2) excited, and (3) malignant. Malignant catatonia is the most severe type and is considered a medical emergency. Catatonia may be caused by a primary psychiatric illness or medical condition (such as neurological disorders, metabolic disorder, rheumatological disorders, and infections). Though historically associated with Schizophrenia, catatonia is probably most often caused by mood disorders (depression and mania) and medical/neurological causes.