Catatonia

Question 1

Stupor

Answer 1

combination of immobility and mutism

Question 2

Posturing

Answer 2

maintaining the same posture for long periods. A classic example is the ‘crucifix’. An extreme version of posturing is catalepsy

Question 3

Waxy flexibility

Answer 3

patient can be positioned in uncomfortable postures, which are maintained for a considerable period of time.

Question 4

Negativism (Gegenhalten)

Answer 4

patient resists the attempts of the examiner to move parts of their body and, according to the original definition, the resistance offered is exactly equal to the strength applied

Question 5

Automatic obedience

Answer 5

exaggerated cooperation, automatically obeying every instruction of the examiner.

Question 6

Mitmachen

Answer 6

a form of automatic obedience whereby the body of the patient can be put into any posture, even if the patient is given instructions to resist. The body part immediately returns to the original position once the force is removed (unlike in waxy flexibility)

Question 7

Mitgehen

Answer 7

• an extreme form of mitmachen in which the examiner is able to move the patient’s body with the slightest touch (anglepoise lamp sign)

Question 8

Ambitendency

Answer 8

The patient alternates between resistance to and cooperation with the examiner’s instructions; for example, when asked to shake hands, the patient repeatedly extends and withdraws the hand

Question 9

Psychological pillow

Answer 9

The patient assumes a reclining posture, with their head a few inches above the bed surface, and is able to maintain this position for prolonged periods

Question 10

Forced grasping

Answer 10

• The patient forcibly and repeatedly grasps the examiner’s hand when offered

Question 11

Obstruction

Answer 11

• The patient stops suddenly in the course of a movement and is generally unable to give a reason. This appears to be the motor counterpart of thought block

Question 12

Aversion

Answer 12

The patient turns away from the examiner when addressed

Question 13

Mannerisms

Answer 13

These are repetitive, goal-directed movements (e.g. Saluting)

Question 14

Stereotypies

Answer 14

• These are repetitive, regular movements that are not goal-directed (e.g. Rocking

Question 15

Motor preserveration

Answer 15

The patient persists with a particular movement that has lost its initial relevance

Question 16

Verbigeration

Answer 16

Meaningless, repetition of words or phrases

Question 17

anglepoise lamp sign is seen in

Answer 17

Mitgehen