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Catatonia - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Catatonia is a behavioral disorder characterized by loss of motor initiative and insensitivity to external stimuli.

The catatonic patient has an increased muscle tone at rest and engages in strenuous attitudes, maintaining static postures for a long time and assuming the appearance of a statue. The statuary position can be maintained in opposition to the solicitations that are imposed on it (negativism) or by automatically obeying the instructions given (cereal flexibility).

At the same time, we observe rigidity of thought with repetition of words or phrases (echolalia), inexpressiveness and mutism.

The phases of motor inertia are alternated with episodes of artificial hyperactivity, not influenced by external stimuli, which manifest themselves with stereotyped movements and uncoordinated agitation, often of an aggressive and violent nature.

Catatonia belongs to the symptomatic framework of some forms of schizophrenia and serious depressive states. This manifestation can also be induced by drug abuse (overdose), abstinence from alcohol and abrupt discontinuation (or too fast suspension) of benzodiazepine treatment.

Catatonic attitudes can also be observed in the course of some organic diseases, such as focal neurological lesions, brain tumors, infections (such as encephalitis), metabolic disorders, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

Possible Causes * of Catatonia

  • Alcoholism
  • Autism
  • Major depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Cerebral hemorrhage
  • Encephalitis
  • Stroke
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Schizophrenia
  • Multiple sclerosis