Catatonia: Causes, Symptoms & Associated Medical Conditions

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome marked by immobility, mutism, stupor, and reduced motor responsiveness. It can arise from numerous underlying conditions:

Psychiatric Disorders

• Schizophrenia (common)
• Major depressive disorder (severe episodes)
• Bipolar disorder (mania or depression)
• Other psychotic disorders (schizoaffective, delusional, brief psychotic disorder)

Neurological & Medical Conditions

• Organic brain disorders: Traumatic brain injury, encephalitis, meningitis, Parkinson's, Huntington's
• Metabolic/endocrine disorders: Hypo-/hyperthyroidism, Cushing's, Addison's
• Substance-related: Intoxication or withdrawal from benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol
• Infections: Sepsis, viral encephalitis
• Autoimmune: Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, lupus
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Rare, life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics

Diagnosis

A thorough evaluation is essential: physical exam, laboratory tests, neuroimaging, and detailed psychiatric assessment to pinpoint the cause and guide treatment (e.g., benzodiazepines, ECT, treating the underlying condition).