Schizophrenia is considered to be one of the most serious of all psychological disorders. Catatonic schizophrenia is a subtype of schizophrenia in which the patient exhibits pronounced motor signs of an over active (excited) or dazed state. This often makes it difficult for psychoanalysts to differentiate it from a psychotic mood disorder. The most prominent features of catatonic schizophrenia are disorganized behavior and speech pattern that often includes word salad accompanied by inappropriate emotions not suitable to the situation. Patients with this disorder do not behave or talk like other individuals and are often in a state of stupor. The symptoms of catatonic type of schizophrenia often present themselves as a chronic and inflexible unless the underlying process is detained.

Traits of Catatonic Schizophrenia:

Some of the individuals suffering from this disorder are extremely susceptible and involuntarily obey the commands or copy the actions of others. This is known as echopraxia. These individuals may also mimic the phrases of others known as echolalia.

Individuals with catatonic schizophrenia may pay little or no notice to bladder control and may even doze off in the middle of an activity.

They have no facial expressions, emotions and their skin might appear to be polished or shiny.

Pain and threats have no effect on these individuals.

These individuals are completely incapable of looking after their selves and may need to be changed and washed by nursing personnel.

These patients tend to go in a state of catatonic trance wherein they obstinately resist any attempt to change the position they might be in or may become mute or refuse to eat or go along with even the smallest of requests. It is a state of extreme withdrawal and the patient may remain motionless for hours or even days. For instance, if a person’s arm is raised in an awkward position, he/she may keep it like that for several minutes or even hours.

Catatonic patients tend to switch from trance-like states to those of extreme excitability in a matter of minutes during which they might even become violent.

These patents show extreme disorganization and performance deficiencies accompanied by general behavior deterioration. They may talk or shout animatedly and incomprehensibly, pace rapidly back and forth and openly indulge in sexual activities. These patients may even attempt self injury or suicide and may even attack or try to kill others on impulse. The abruptness and extremity of these attacks makes these individuals dangerous for themselves as well as for others.

Catatonic schizophrenia is a rare condition but required immediate treatment. Both medications and psychotherapy are provided in the treatment of this disorder.