What is Catatonia?

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Siva Anoop Yella , Psychiatrist

Catatonia is a serious condition that affects movement and behavior. A person may stop moving or talking completely, or they may repeat movements over and over again. Though it may look like a physical illness, catatonia is usually caused by a mental health issue or brain-related medical condition.

It is most often seen in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, but it can also happen with brain injuries, drug reactions, or infections. With the right care, catatonia is treatable, and many people recover fully.

What Are the Types of Catatonia?

Catatonia can appear in different forms, depending on how the person behaves. Some people become very still and quiet, while others may become agitated or confused. In rare cases, catatonia can become life-threatening and needs urgent care.

Understanding the type of catatonia helps doctors choose the best treatment plan and decide how urgent the care should be.

Retarded Catatonia

This is the most common type. The person stays silent, doesn't move much, and may keep the same posture for hours.

Excited Catatonia

In this type, the person may shout, talk too much, or show fast and unusual body movements.

Malignant Catatonia

This is rare but dangerous. It includes fever, rigid muscles, confusion, and a fast heart rate. It can be fatal if not treated quickly.

What Are the Symptoms and Warning Signs?

Symptoms of catatonia can look different depending on the cause. Some people stop speaking or moving, while others act restless or confused. These symptoms often come on suddenly and may change over time.

Catatonia often affects daily life, safety, and the ability to eat or care for oneself. That's why early treatment is important.

Common signs of catatonia include

Not talking (mutism)
Staying in the same position for a long time
Refusing to eat or move
Repeating words or actions
Staring or avoiding eye contact
Unusual posture or stiff body
Sudden excitement, shouting, or fast movements

What Causes Catatonia?

Catatonia doesn't start on its own. It usually develops as part of another medical or mental health problem. Catatonia can happen because of changes in the brain, high stress, or certain medicines. Finding the cause is the first step to proper treatment. In many cases, treating the main issue helps the catatonia go away.

Common causes include

Mental health problems like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression
Brain infections, seizures, or head injuries
Drug side effects (especially antipsychotics)
Sudden stopping of sedative or alcohol use
Autoimmune or metabolic conditions

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How Is Catatonia Diagnosed?

Catatonia is diagnosed by observing the person's behavior and doing tests to find the underlying cause. There is no single test to confirm catatonia, so doctors rely on clinical signs and how the person responds to treatment.

Doctors also rule out other causes like stroke, coma, or severe depression. Accurate diagnosis helps avoid delays in care.

Diagnosis methods include

Behavioral observation: Doctors look for signs like mutism, posture, and response
Lorazepam challenge test: A small dose of medication is given to see if symptoms improve
Brain scans (CT or MRI): To check for injuries or infections
Blood tests: To look for infections, liver issues, or other medical problems
Psychiatric evaluation: To assess mood, thoughts, and mental health history

What Are the Treatment Options for Catatonia?

Catatonia can be treated successfully in many cases. Once doctors know the cause, they can begin the right treatment. The main goal is to restore normal behavior and prevent serious problems like dehydration, blood clots, or worsening mental health.

Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and how the person responds to medication.

Common treatments include

Benzodiazepines: Medicines like lorazepam are often the first choice. Many people feel better within a few hours or days.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): This is highly effective when medication doesn't work or if symptoms are severe.
Treating the root cause: Mental illness, brain infections, or drug reactions must also be addressed.
Supportive care: If the person cannot eat, move, or speak, they may need fluids, nutrition, and close monitoring in a hospital.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Catatonia can look like many other illnesses, but it needs quick medical attention. If you or someone you know suddenly becomes silent, stops moving, or shows unusual behavior, don't wait. Early care can prevent serious complications and lead to faster recovery.

Catatonia can also be a sign of a deeper mental health issue. Getting help early may save a life and bring relief to the whole family.

See a doctor if you notice

No movement or speech for hours
Unusual body positions or stiffness
Repeating the same words or actions
Sudden confusion, shouting, or fast changes in behavior
Fever, fast heartbeat, or sweating, along with behavior changes

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Our Experience Treating Catatonia

At Medicover, we take catatonia very seriously. Our expert teams in psychiatry, neurology, and emergency medicine work together to give fast, complete care. We treat the person, not just the symptoms, because we know catatonia can feel overwhelming for both patients and families.

We use advanced methods like the Lorazepam Challenge Test, brain imaging, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) when needed. Our care also includes emotional support and counseling for long-term recovery.