Have you ever wondered why, at a certain point in the state of getting still, or no longer the wish to talk, or to have a performance more than once? The catatonic schizophrenia is a bizarre and mystic disorder, which questions human perception of the mind and body. Imagine being locked in your body, unable to move or show anything, or repeating the same action incessantly.
It is a condition of being that poses more questions than it answers, and the patients themselves, as well as those adoring them, need answers. What causes this? How can it be treated? And best of all, how shall we assist the living in it? Stay with us and read the article till the end to get more information!
What Is Catatonic Schizophrenia?
Catatonic schizophrenia refers to a type of schizophrenia in which the behavioral and movement performances of a particular individual are affected. As an example, a person is able to sit down and take up hours of immobility, conduct bizarre movements, or even repeat actions. They may even tend to burst into action anytime or even act unpredictably in certain instances. It is the inability of the brain to effectively process the signals that, therefore, results in the cause of these changes in movement and behavior.
Moreover, patients with catatonic schizophrenia might not be in a position to identify with other human beings or experience feelings. They are able to stare long, stand in one position, or resist any movement. In this way, this illness affects our daily life and relations. Lastly, the support of a mental health professional is rather important in regard to recovery and follow-up support.
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Catatonic Schizophrenia Symptoms
The symptoms of catatonic schizophrenia include the following:
- Immobility or motionlessness
- Abnormal or rigidity of position
- Little or no speech
- Word or movement repetition
- Resisting instructions
- Sudden restless actions
- No interaction of the environment
- Lack of facial expressions
- Issue in expressing feelings
- Staring for long periods
Catatonic Schizophrenia Causes
The major causes of catatonic behavior are:
- Inequality in the chemicals of the brain
- Familial or genetic history of schizophrenia
- Changes in the brain structure or functioning
- Movement control parts of the brain
- Abuse of substances or medicines
- Long-term emotional strain or stress
- Poor sleep, or sleep apnea, or abnormal sleep
- Bio-environmental interaction
Catatonic Schizophrenia Types
Retarded Catatonia
Retarded catatonia causes a person to remain motionless with closed eyes for an extended duration. Therefore, they can sit or stand in one posture without reacting to the environment. On most occasions, they do not talk, they do not eat or look, and their facial expression is developed. Their muscles are tight, and they do not desire someone to move and help them. This move deprives them of being able to access normal activities.
Excited Catatonia
Excited catatonia is expressed through outbursts of activity and energy, which are extreme and impulsive. The person can walk on their heels, scream, or repeat meaningless movements of their hands and bodies. Likewise, this type can be very dangerous as the person can harm others or himself without even knowing it. Rapid therapy and relaxation services enable the control of the personality and activity of the patient.
Malignant Catatonia
Malignant catatonia is a life-threatening problem that possesses certain physical and mental health issues. They may also appear lost, nervous, or disoriented, and their body starts exhibiting signs of instability in the medical condition. So, such a type needs a rapid response from the medical team since it can lead to severe complications or even death when it is not managed. Hospital treatment in case of an emergency, liquid intake, medications, and close monitoring will save the life of the person and restore the balance in him.
Periodic Catatonia
Periodic catatonia cyclically manifests excitement and stillness, which are occasionally lost. During one of the phases, the person has his eyes shut, he is silent, and he is in a state of non-involvement. They suddenly become active, agitated, and possess too many feelings at the second stage. Furthermore, these changes make the person, as well as the people around them, feel lost, and predicting behavior turns out to be challenging. The therapy, treatment, and emotional support enable the individual to respond to the symptoms.
Catatonic Schizophrenia Example
Take the case of a person named Alex, who starts exhibiting abnormal behaviors as time elapses. Day by day, Alex sits and spends hours staring at the same position without responding to anyone. This silence takes hours, and he seems to be deaf to everything in his surroundings. Alex exhibits completely varied behavior on other days, such as:
- Walking or running around a room without stopping.
- The same words or sentences are repeated.
- Indeed, screaming and shouting.
- Mimicking other people or making fun of others.
- Getting impatient, nervous, or overemotional.
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How to Deal with Catatonic Schizophrenia?
1. Take Prescribed Medication
Take medicine for a psychiatrist at the proper time. Missing not a single dose each day. The correct medication is beneficial in order to cope with the symptoms and maintain your mood. Discuss with your physician anytime you feel out of it or the time you realize that there is something wrong with your own body.
2. Build Daily Coping Habits
Handle stress and maintain yourself without being emotional. Be patient during the time of extreme symptoms. You should be aware of what is on your mind and think of what will prevent you from being stressed.
3. Create A Routine of Living
Arrange your day in the same way that you sleep, eat, and do other menial chores. Be on schedule to ensure that you are on time and concentrated. Be time-conscious with alarms or reminders. Something that will make you less insecure and orderly is a routine.
4. Associate With Positive Personalities
Sit with family, friends, or those who know you well. Talk to them if you feel angry or bored. Be inventive, do not be frugal. They are very nurturing and emotionally empowered.
5. Decision-Making and Self-Care
It must include brief pauses to loosen the body and mind. Attempt deep breathing, mild exercises, or house music. Eat healthy meals and take naps at the appropriate hour in the night. You cannot sleepwalk over the world, and your body remains active due to your many attentions.
6. Seek Professional Relapse or Crisis Help
Medical practitioners suggest prompt treatment in case of aggravation of the symptoms. Get the help of your doctor, a friend with whom you can open out to, or a family member. Speak directly, make what you wish, and you feel. Also, an instantaneous reaction protects you and cures you in a shorter period.
Catatonic Schizophrenia Treatment
1. Catatonic Schizophrenia Test
Physicians conduct various tests in order to test symptoms and eliminate other health problems. They notice how you act, speak, and respond to the people around you. Blood tests and scans of the brain can demonstrate the interactions between your body and your brain. Hence, these tests assist your doctor in knowing the signs and put up further plans regarding treatment.
2. Diagnosis of Catatonic Schizophrenia
This diagnosis begins when your psychiatrist observes and notes your behavior, mood, and thoughts. They examine the impact of these symptoms on your everyday life and relationships. The idea is to determine whether you have catatonic behavior schizophrenia, and what type of care you require.
3. Initial Assessment
In the first evaluation, your doctor aids you in discussing your feelings and the experience you can have. You provide information concerning sleep, stress, and emotional fluctuations. Family members can also give information on what they pick up in your daily behavior. This will enable the doctor to learn more about your condition and come up with a good treatment plan.
4. Medication Management
Requesting help with medication can regulate such symptoms as stiffness or silence, or abrupt restlessness. To restore calmness and balance, your doctor prescribes medications to you, which include antipsychotics or benzodiazepines. You take your attacks on schedule and adhere to follow-up visits. Remaining steady with medication would keep your brain sharp, and your body looser.
End Note
To sum up, catatonic schizophrenic patients can be stuporous or negativistic. On the contrary, they can demonstrate excessive, meaningless motor activity or imitate the language and movements of the other person. These symptoms pose serious problems both in everyday activities and physical care.
Ultimately, primary treatment is that of medication. The first-line treatment is benzodiazepines, lorazepam, which is capable of a quick improvement in catatonic symptoms. It is necessary to say that a medication regimen is necessary to minimize the severity of catatonic episodes, enhance overall functioning. It helps people control their movements and become more active in relation to their surroundings. You may reach out to MAVA Behavioral Health for getting the treatment through medication. Here to receive a better, effective, and prompt treatment. You will receive the help, support, and optimal prescription of medicines.
FAQs
What is catatonic schizophrenia?
Catatonic schizophrenia is a specific type of schizophrenia where the greatest symptoms apply to the movements. It may leave the victims with serious issues relating to their motor activities, where they may be at one extreme (immobility).
What causes some patients to develop catatonic schizophrenia?
The root of its cause has not been entirely established, but it is seen to be a result of a set of interactions between the genetic, biological, and environmental factors. False ratios in the brain chemicals, particularly the neurotransmitters like dopamine and GABA, have been thought to play significant roles. Abramovic is not a bad or feeble individual, and it is a compound brain disorder.
What do you consider to be the most frequent choices in therapy?
Treatment normally progresses, and in the majority of circumstances, starts with medications. The benzodiazepines (including lorazepam) are likely the first drug of choice as they can hasten the catatonic symptoms.
Is it possible to make improvements in catatonic schizophrenia?
Yes, having proper diagnosis and frequent treatments, a great part of the population will be able to notice a considerable decline in their symptoms and improve their way of life. The outcome is, in most instances, positive, especially where the treatment is early.
How can I help someone who could be having this condition?
The best thing to do if you’re worried about someone is to make him see a doctor. Be supportive; you can help them by referring them to a psychiatrist or mental health clinic. Wait and be empathetic, as there might be confusion with the symptoms.
