What makes a person catatonic

Few researchers suggest using N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists to treat catatonic depression. This treatment reduces the glutamate excitotoxicity and resolves the gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA hypofunction observed in catatonia. However, this treatment is sometimes given for patients diagnosed with delirium and catatonia. More studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in treating catatonic depression.

Brain stimulation involving magnetic fields to cause electric current is done in catatonic patients, targeting a specific area of the brain. Catatonia is a syndrome a group of symptoms which consistently occur together , and long-term treatment is necessary to cope with the symptoms.

Ruling out other medical conditions is imperative for the treatment and recovery of catatonic depression. People with catatonia who do not receive proper treatment are at risk of developing other conditions such as malnutrition, pneumonia, decubitus ulcers, shortening of muscles and dehydration. Acute psychiatric care is essential for a person suffering from catatonia. If you or someone you know experiences mental health issues, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional.

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The opinions and views expressed in this guest blog do not necessarily reflect those of www. The author and www. One theory is that a sudden reduction in dopamine , a neurotransmitter, causes catatonia. Another theory is that a reduction in gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA , another neurotransmitter, leads to the condition.

Although catatonia has historically been associated with schizophrenia , psychiatrists now classify catatonia as its own disorder, which occurs in the context of other disorders. An estimated 10 percent of acutely ill psychiatric inpatients experience catatonia. Twenty percent of catatonic inpatients have schizophrenia diagnoses, while 45 percent have mood disorder diagnoses.

Women with postpartum depression PPD may experience catatonia. Other risk factors are cocaine use, low salt concentration in the blood , and the use of medications such as ciprofloxacin Cipro. Vital signs such as blood pressure , breathing rate , and heart rate can fluctuate.

These symptoms require immediate treatment. Doctors must rule out these conditions before they can diagnose catatonia. A person must show at least two chief catatonia symptoms for 24 hours before a doctor can diagnose catatonia.

No definitive test for catatonia exists. To diagnose catatonia, a physical exam and testing must first rule out other conditions. This scale has 23 items scored from 0 to 3. Blood tests can help to rule out electrolyte imbalances.

These can cause changes in mental function. A pulmonary embolism , or blood clot in the lungs, can lead to catatonia symptoms. A fibrin D-dimer blood test can also be useful. Recent studies indicate that catatonia is associated with elevated D-dimer levels. However, many conditions such as pulmonary embolism may affect D-dimer levels. CT or MRI scans allow doctors to view the brain. This helps to rule out a brain tumor or swelling. Medications are usually the first approach to treating catatonia.

While the majority of cases are psychiatric, there are other medical conditions that may result in catatonia or a catatonic state. These include:. In other words, something is getting in the way of the proper path these neurotransmitters typically take in the brain and body. If catatonia is caused by schizophrenia or another major depressive disorder, the first step is to work on treating the underlying mental health issue. Once those symptoms have gotten to a stable place, then doctors can work on treating catatonia.

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs that enhance the effect of the GABA neurotransmitter. The lorazepam can be administered intravenously, and the dose can be lowered as time goes on. ECT involves attaching electrodes to the head that send electrical impulses to the brain, triggering a generalized seizure.

Currently, ECT is considered a relatively safe and effective treatment for a range of mood disorders and mental illnesses, including depression. Catatonia is a syndrome of other underlying mood disorders, but it can also be caused by other factors, including other infections or taking prescribed or illegal drugs. They may also exhibit obedient, automatic behavior or anxiety. Whether the catatonia is caused by depression, schizophrenia, or another mood disorder, there are ways to treat it, and the prognosis is good.

Walther S, Strik W. CNS Spectr. Catatonic disorder due to general medical conditions. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. The shock of the new: Progress in schizophrenia genomics. Curr Genomics. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

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Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. What Is Catatonic Schizophrenia? Common Schizophrenia Symptoms People with this disorder may also display signs of schizophrenia, including: Cognitive problems Decreased ability to express emotions Delusions Disorganization Hallucinations Poor self-care Social difficulties Social withdrawal. The Best Online Therapy Programs We've tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

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