Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric condition that affects both behavior and motor function, and results in unresponsiveness in an individual who otherwise appears to be awake. Catatonic individuals can remain speechless and motionless for extended periods of time.
According to the DSM-5, at least three out of twelve symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of catatonia:
Stupor (oblivious inability to move or respond to stimuli), catalepsy (rigid body posture)
Mutism (little to no verbal communication)
Body remains in whatever position it is placed by another person.
Posturing (holding a posture or position that goes against gravity)
Mannerisms (extreme or odd movements)
Stereotypy (frequent repetitive movements for no reason)
Agitation
Grimacing (distorted facial expressions)
Echolalia (repeating others’ words)
Echopraxia (repeating others’ movements)
Thus, Catatonia is a term that refers to an overall reduction in responsiveness to one's external environment. It can appear as holding unusual physical postures for an extended period of time, failing to respond to another person, or purposeless physical activity.
