The triggers of catatonia are psychotic disorders, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
A 3rd of people that are catatonic also have bipolar disorder.
When a person is catatonic it means the person is in a state in which they are awake but they don't seem to respond to other people and their environment.
Catatonia can affect a person's movement, behavior as well as speech in several different ways.
Catatonia can also have several different causes.
The exact physiological causes of catatonia and depression are not clear. However, traumatic events, a person's family history, and changes in brain functioning may all play a part.
Doctors can effectively treat most cases of catatonia with a combination of benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy.
Catatonia can last anywhere from a few hours to weeks, months or even years.
Some people have reoccurring episodes.
Catatonia is a collection of symptoms affecting movement and behavior.
Someone with catatonia may not speak (mutism), move (immobility), or appear rigid.
The symptoms of someone being catatonic include.
Not responding to other people or their environment.
Not speaking.
Holding their body in an unusual position.
Resisting people who try to adjust their body.
Agitation.
Repetitive, seemingly meaningless movement.
Mimicking someone else's speech.
Mimicking someone else's movements.
Catatonia is often treated with a medication called lorazepam.
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine, which is a type of sedative medication.
This means that it helps to slow down the body and brain and relax the muscles.