Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric behavioral syndrome first described by German psychiatrist Karl Kahlbaum in 1874. Since then, the understanding of catatonia has undergone dramatic shifts, reflecting changes in psychiatry, neuroscience, and cultural attitudes towards serious mental illness. This presentation will describe the history, clinical features, assessment, and management of this syndrome with particular emphasis on the carceral setting.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the history of catatonia as a syndrome and its initial conceptualization
• Recognize the clinical features and various subtypes to characterize and diagnose catatonia
• Summarize the approaches to management and treatment of catatonia in a carceral environment

Level:

Advanced