Catatonia can involve excessive movement as well as immobility. Excitement may appear purposeless and not clearly driven by the surrounding situation. Repetitive movements, unusual mannerisms or repeated speech may occur. Echolalia involves repeating another person’s…Continue Reading
Assessment of catatonia combines observation, physical examination and a history of the changes in movement, speech and responsiveness. Clinicians may use a structured rating scale to document signs and follow response. They investigate possible causes…Continue Reading
Reduced movement in catatonia can range from unusual stillness to stupor, in which the person shows very little spontaneous activity or response to the environment. Someone may remain in one position for a long time…Continue Reading
Mutism means an absence or marked reduction of speech. In catatonia, a person may stop speaking despite apparently intact speech organs and may also show changes in movement or responsiveness. Silence alone does not establish…Continue Reading
Posturing in catatonia involves maintaining a position for an unusually long time, sometimes against gravity. Rigidity refers to increased resistance to movement. Other examination findings include catalepsy and waxy flexibility, in which a position imposed…Continue Reading