Catatonia

Question 1

Catatonia

Answer 1

• wrongly thought to be subtype of Sz.
• actually a psychotic feat (analogous to hallucinations, delusion, thought disorders).
• occurs in Sz, Psychotic Depress, Mania- also in types of Brain Infection- (advanced Syphilis, Encephalitis Lethrargica (world epidemic 1918).
• occurs as drug side effect.
• -with Anti-Psychotics & less commonly SRRIs.
• -rapid withdrawal from L-Dopa (Parkinson’s medication)

Question 2

What is Catatonia-

Answer 2

wide range/series of abnormal movements.
1- Diff to diagnose.
2- Specific treatment.
3- Worse by common drugs.
4- Curable disorder.

Question 3

Catatonic feats-

Answer 3

1- Immobility- rigid like statue, characteristic posture.
2- Mutism- (semi-coma Stupor), may no respond to pain.
3- Mannerisms- saluting, repetition, Waxy Flexibility.
4- Abnormal Personal Interaction- copying.
5- Meaningless Excitement- unprovoked, “random violence”.

• 10% common in emergency admissions to psychiatric units= mostly mild variant.
• untreated= Malignant Catatonia- can be fatal.

Question 4

Treatments

Answer 4

1- Bzs (e.g. Lorazepam- high doses intravenously- cures 2/3s better in hours/days).
—muscle relaxant, anti-anx, increases GABA neurotransmitter in system.

2- ECT- cures 95% rapid improvement with those just got it.

Question 5

Probable Psych cause

Answer 5

• similar most extreme form of fear- causes Tonic Immobility- seen in animals (predator is close).
• paralyzed with fear- pretend to be dead.
• causes Catatonia- may be extreme/inescapable/localizable fear.
• -caused experiences & brain disruptions of psychosis (or some drug actions).
• -cus psychosis continues for months/years, so does Catatonia.