Catatonic schizophrenia
Catatonic schizophrenia happens to be one of the older forms of schizophrenia, which has been termed as psychosis alternatively. However, in current times, this form of schizophrenia is almost non-existent, thanks to superb medication and preventive measures available today.
Catatonic schizophrenia is also known to be the extreme form of schizophrenic disorders, as it is characterized by extreme behavior of the patients, as they may either act overexcited producing loud sounds or fail to hear, speak or respond thoughtfully.
As far as the root of the cause of Catatonic Schizophrenia is concerned, nothing substantial is known in this regard, except the fact that brain dysfunction is one of the major contributors. Issues with neurotransmitters have also been reported to be one of the major causes of Catatonic Schizophrenia. Moreover, it has been discovered by the researchers that the patients suffering from Schizophrenic disorders exhibit not only weird behaviors outwardly, but even their brain undergoes internal changes. But, till date nobody has been able to relate to these changes, and it’s a matter of deep interest to the researchers at the moment.
There are several diagnostic criteria for catatonic schizophrenia, which primarily include inability to speak, move, or express normally. Moreover, remaining in the same position for long periods, as well as excessive or overly excited behavior with no clear purpose are also typical characteristic behaviors of the patients suffering from catatonic schizophrenia.
Furthermore, resisting instructions or attempts to move, mimicking words and movements of others as well as peculiar movements, like grimacing or unusual postures are also known to be typical signs of catatonic schizophrenia.
However, it usually becomes pretty tough to diagnose these patients as these disorders are also characterized by other conditions such as drug intoxication, severe depression, autism, and mania as well as seizure disorders. Therefore, one might get confused with these disorders and the catatonic schizophrenia, as there’s a great deal of similarity in the symptoms.
Lastly, you must make sure that you continue medication for the treatment of catatonic schizophrenic disorders or any form of schizophrenic disorder for a considerably longer period of duration, so as to rule out any chances of relapse of these chronic disorders.
Originally posted 2009-05-05 05:37:54.