Treating Catatonic Behavior in Schizophrenia

Treating Catatonic Behavior in Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Print Diagnosing Catatonic Behavior in Schizophrenia By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on May 21, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 23, 2020 Schizophrenia Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children Verywell / Chelsea Damraksa In This Article Table of Contents Expand Common Catatonic Behaviors Getting a Diagnosis Types of Treatment For Loved Ones View All Although you may have heard the term catatonic schizophrenia, this diagnosis no longer officially exists in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-5).?? It was previously one of the subtypes of schizophrenia. Currently, it is used to describe someone who is diagnosed with schizophrenia who also meets the diagnostic criteria for catatonia. Catatonia or catatonic behavior is a serious psychiatric condition that has historically been associated with schizophrenia, but it can be present in a variety of psychiatric conditions, including schizoaffective disorder,  bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.?? Catatonic behavior may also result from certain medications and medical conditions. Catatonia is marked by a significant decrease in someones reactivity to their environment. This can involve stupor, mutism, negativism or motor rigidity, and even purposeless excitement. While these symptoms can be scary and extremely debilitating, knowing more about them (and what treatments are available) can help you better manage or help a loved one do so. Common Catatonic Behaviors Someone with this condition might experience rigidity or stupor, be unable to speak, respond, or even moveâ€"and this can last for hours or even days if left untreated. Catatonia can also cause a person to perform strange movements and stay in uncomfortable-looking positions without attempting to shift into more comfortable or natural ones. In addition to a lack of mobility, erratic and extreme movement is possible in catatonic behavior. For example, you might pace in a repeated pattern and make loud exclamations for no reason at all (i.e., these actions are not in response to an environmental stimulus or event).? Parrot-like repetition or echoing of words, known as echolalia, is also a common catatonic behavior. Of course, people with this disorder may also display signs of schizophrenia, including:?? HallucinationsDelusionsCognitive problemsSocial withdrawalDisorganizationPoor self-careSocial difficultiesDecreased inability to express emotions How Schizophrenia Is Diagnosed by Observing Symptoms Getting a Diagnosis There are no labs or tests to diagnose catatonic symptoms in schizophrenia. Instead, your doctor will perform a series of medical exams and psychological evaluations to assess your physical and mental health, as well as rule out other conditions. Depending on the results, your doctor might give you a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or an electroencephalogram (EEG) to check for any lesions or unusual brain wave patterns.?? A test may also be given to check for the presence of drugs and alcohol. During the psychiatric evaluation, you will be asked questions about your thoughts and behaviors. A psychiatrist will attempt to discover how long you have been experiencing the symptoms in question. If a patient is in a catatonic stupor and unable to talk, his or her family may be called in to provide information about the catatonic behavior. Misdiagnosis Unfortunately, because catatonia is characterized by motor symptoms, it is sometimes mistaken for another disorder. Catatonic symptoms like facial contortions, strange limb movements, or unusual body positions can lead to a misdiagnosis of tardive dyskinesia or other movement disorders. Similarly, Tourettes syndrome may be confused for catatonia due to some of the vocalizations that can be part of the syndrome. Types of Treatment Schizophrenia is a lifelong, chronic condition, which means youll need to take steps to stay ahead of and manage your catatonic behaviors and your schizophrenia. While theres no cure, there are treatment methods that can help you to better manage your symptoms. Find Help With the Best Online Therapy Programs Medication Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam (Ativan) are perhaps the most common approach to treatment.?? These drugs act as depressants on the central nervous system, which is why they are often used to treat anxiety. Because these drugs are fast-acting, they can often relieve catatonic symptoms quite quickly. However, they can be habit-forming when used as a long-term treatment. There is some debate around the use of antipsychotics in catatonia. In some cases, antipsychotics can worsen catatonia and are often discontinued in its acute management. However, they are generally reintroduced to treat and prevent the symptoms of schizophrenia. How Schizophrenia Is Treated Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) ECT, formerly known as electroshock therapy, is increasingly used to effectively treat catatonia in schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions. Living With Schizophrenia For Loved Ones Witnessing someone you care about experience catatonic behavior with schizophrenia is certainly scary. Perhaps the best thing you can do is to stay educatedâ€"about diagnosis, symptoms, and effective treatmentâ€"so you can get help right away if you notice any signs of catatonia like rigidity or stupor or erratic and extreme movements. Depending on the severity and type of symptoms, you may need to step in to describe the catatonic behaviors to your loved ones doctor. Doing your best to encourage your loved one to work with his or her mental health professional and stick with the treatment plan will help ensure that schizophrenia is being well managed and controlled. And dont forget self-care, which is essential for sustaining the mental energy required to support someone with a mental illness. Try to get ample sleep, eat right, exercise, and make time for relaxation and fun in your life. A Word From Verywell Getting a proper diagnosis and complying with treatment is key to coping with catatonic behavior. While schizophrenia is a lifelong disease, catatonia can be controlled. With appropriate treatment, people suffering from catatonic symptoms as part of schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions can find significant relief from their symptoms.