Catatonia is an underdiagnosed clinical syndrome characterized by psychomotor disturbances that can range from immobility and mutism to agitation and autonomic dysfunction. It is associated not only with psychiatric illness, but also with medical and neurological conditions. In this presentation, a case report of a male with a previous diagnosis of schizophrenia who presents with catatonia on a forensic mental health unit will be used as the springboard for a discussion of catatonia's various presentations, special considerations for diagnosing this condition, and treatments including benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the common signs and symptoms of catatonia
• Differentiate catatonia from other conditions with similar presentations
• Discuss barriers in treatment of catatonia

Level Intermediate