Have You Ever Experienced Catatonia?
I Am Awake, but I Can't Respond
According to Psychology Today, Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric condition that affects both the mind and body functions. Causing the person with this condition to become unresponsive or sometimes excessive in an odd or unusual way.
My experiences with this condition were terrifying for me. Sometimes I was unable to move or speak. A few times I was unable to open my eyes and move my body. Other times I could not speak.
All of these occurrences happened against my will. No matter how hard I tried to move, or talk, I was incapable of doing so during these catatonia episodes.
Definition of catatonic
1: of, relating to, marked by, or affected with catatonia
catatonic schizophrenia
2: characterized by a marked lack of movement, activity, or expression
tourists who were almost catatonic at finding themselves in their hero's presence
— Neil HickeyNot Moving or Talking
The 3 Kinds of Catatonia
Malignant - can be lethal due to the patient developing a severe level of metabolic decompensation, because they do not respond to treatment.
Exited - The patient suffers from severe psychomotor agitation
Akinetic - The patient is non-responsive, stares blankly and may be sitting or lying in an unusual position.
What Does Catatonia Feel Like?
For me, every time that I had a catatonia episode, it felt like I was hypnotized. I did things that I wouldn't normally do. I felt like I was a puppet on a string that someone else could control.
The harder I fought for my freedom to control myself, the less I had control. I have experienced my hands locking up and not being able to unlock them. I have experienced lethargic behavior. I have been in situations that I was unable to speak.
This behavior has changed me and my life. It is a very lonely and scary life when you can't even trust yourself as well as anyone else that may take advantage of you while you are in a catatonic state.
Paralyzed
I can’t move
And I can’t see
I can’t speak
And I cant breathe
Stuck in nightmare
Wishing it was a sweet dream
Trying to scream
But no one can hear me
I try to scream but nothing
Not even a single sound
— Wherearethestars
10 Symptoms of Catatonia
There are 10 or more symptoms of Catatonia. To be diagnosed with this disorder a person needs to demonstrate at least three of these symptoms.
- An inability to move or respond to the environment around you. Your body may be rigid.
- Inability to speak or can only speak a couple of words
- Resistance when trying to move your body. Example: If someone puts you in a certain position, you can only stay in that position.
- Negative thinking or expecting the worst.
- Agitation for no apparent reason.
- Extreme or odd mannerism's or behavior's
- Repetitive movements or speech
- Repeating other's speech or movement
- Holding a position that goes against gravity
- Distorted facial expressions
Demonstration of Catatonic Schizophrenia
List of Some Medications and Treatments Used to Relieve some Catatonia Symptoms
Lorazepam
| Memantine
| Amantadine
|
|---|---|---|
Benzodiazepine
| N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
| Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
|
Zolpidem
| Diazepam
| Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
|
This is just a small example of medications and treatments that can be used.
Some Things To Remember About Catatonia Psychosis
Now that you know what Catatonia is, here are some important things you may want to remember.
- Catatonia is a psychological disorder that can occur with many mental disorders and psychosis.
- This disorder can be very dangerous and deadly to the person who has it if left untreated.
- Not everyone who has a mental illness will have this rare disorder.
- Catatonia can last from a few hours to many days.
- This condition can be treated with medication and therapy.
Resources
- Catatonia | Psychology Today
Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric condition that affects both behavior and motor function, and results in unresponsiveness in someone who otherwise appears to be awake. For the purpose of diagnosis, there are three types of catatonia, including cataton - Catatonia: Our current understanding of its diagnosis, treatment and pathophysiology
- Catatonic Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Catatonic depression is characterized by severe depression with additional symptoms like the inability to move and lack of response to stimuli. It’s believed that irregular production of neurotransmitters causes catatonic depression. Learn more about - The Syndrome of Catatonia
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2019 Monica
