Catatonia Flashcards
Stupor
combination of immobility and mutism
Posturing
maintaining the same posture for long periods. A classic example is the ‘crucifix’. An extreme version of posturing is catalepsy
Waxy flexibility
cerea flexibilitas) - patient can be positioned in uncomfortable postures, which are maintained for a considerable period of time.
Negativism (Gegenhalten) -
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
Automatic obedience
exaggerated cooperation, automatically obeying every instruction of the examiner.
Mitmachen
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)
Mitgehen
an extreme form of mitmachen in which the examiner is able to move the patient’s body with the slightest touch (anglepoise lamp sign)
Ambitendency
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
Psychological pillow
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
Forced grasping
The patient forcibly and repeatedly grasps the examiner’s hand when offered
Obstruction
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
Echopraxia
The patient imitates the actions of the interviewer
Aversion
The patient turns away from the examiner when addressed
Motor perseveration
The patient persists with a particular movement that has lost its initial relevance
