Catatonia

Catatonia is a psychiatric symptom that is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It is indicative of other conditions such as schizophrenia (catatonic type), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, encephalitis lethargica, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, depression and other mental disorders, as well as drug abuse and/or overdose. There are a variety of treatments available, and depending on the case, one or more drugs may be used, including antipsychotics and benzodiazepines.

Catatonia is not a mental disorder in itself; it is a symptom of other mental disorders. There is a subtype of schizophrenia called "catatonic schizophrenia" in which the patient experiences an extreme loss of motor ability or constant hyperactive motor activity. Catatonic patients will sometimes hold rigid poses for hours and will ignore any external stimuli.

Types
Stupor is a motionless, apathetic state in which one is oblivious or does not react to external stimuli. Motor activity is nearly non-existent. Individuals in this state avoid bathing and grooming, make little or no eye contact with others, may be mute and rigid, and initiate no social behaviors.

Catatonic excitement is state of constant agitation and excitation. Individuals in this state are extremely hyperactive (although the activity seems to lack purpose) and often violent towards themselves or others.

Treatment
As catatonia is a symptom of an underlying disorder, treatment is generally aimed at the underlying cause. A wide variety of drugs can be used to treat catatonia, depending on the type (i.e. excitement or stupor). The usual treatment is to prescribe first-line antipsychotics (such as risperdal and haloperidol), although benzodiazepines are occasionally used (for catatonic excitement, never catatonic stupor).