Catatonia Flashcards

1
Q

Catatonia

A
  • wrongly thought to be subtype of Sz.
  • actually a psychotic feat (analogous to hallucinations, delusion, thought disorders).
  • occurs in Sz, Psychotic Depress, Mania- also in types of Brain Infection- (advanced Syphilis, Encephalitis Lethrargica (world epidemic 1918).
  • occurs as drug side effect.
  • -with Anti-Psychotics & less commonly SRRIs.
  • -rapid withdrawal from L-Dopa (Parkinson’s medication)
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2
Q

What is Catatonia-

A
wide range/series of abnormal movements.
1- Diff to diagnose.
2- Specific treatment.
3- Worse by common drugs.
4- Curable disorder.
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3
Q

Catatonic feats-

A

1- Immobility- rigid like statue, characteristic posture.
2- Mutism- (semi-coma Stupor), may no respond to pain.
3- Mannerisms- saluting, repetition, Waxy Flexibility.
4- Abnormal Personal Interaction- copying.
5- Meaningless Excitement- unprovoked, “random violence”.

  • 10% common in emergency admissions to psychiatric units= mostly mild variant.
  • untreated= Malignant Catatonia- can be fatal.
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4
Q

Treatments

A

1- Bzs (e.g. Lorazepam- high doses intravenously- cures 2/3s better in hours/days).
—muscle relaxant, anti-anx, increases GABA neurotransmitter in system.

2- ECT- cures 95% rapid improvement with those just got it.

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5
Q

Probable Psych cause

A
  • similar most extreme form of fear- causes Tonic Immobility- seen in animals (predator is close).
  • paralyzed with fear- pretend to be dead.
  • causes Catatonia- may be extreme/inescapable/localizable fear.
  • -caused experiences & brain disruptions of psychosis (or some drug actions).
  • -cus psychosis continues for months/years, so does Catatonia.
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