29th January 2024

Catatonic schizophrenia

This form of schizophrenia is now relatively uncommon in Western countries. Classically, patients demonstrate a marked change in motor function. This can include: stupor (marked reduction in reactivity to environment, spontaneous movements and activity), mutism, rigidity (stiff, immobile posture that cannot be moved by someone else), waxy flexibility (maintenance of limbs and body in a position created by someone else), command automation (immediately following the commands of someone else) and perseveration (repetition of a response, gesture, or phrase). Although the term catatonic reflects the hypoactive behaviours characteristic of this subtype, individuals can show periodic hyperactive behaviour, often alternating between the two. In patients with catatonic schizophrenia, it is especially important to monitor their physical health as they can become malnourished due to prolonged catatonic states.