Do I Have Catatonic Schizophrenia?

Do you feel agitated, anxious, or restless?

Do you make grimaces, or making a face that looks like you are in pain?

Do you experience catalepsy (i.e., being in a trance-like state)?

Are you unable, or do you refuse to, speak (i.e., mutism)?

Do you senselessly repeat what another person says (i.e., echolalia)?

Do you meaninglessly repeat the movements of another person (i.e., echopraxia)?

Do you show behaviors that are opposite to your emotions (i.e, negativism, for example, feeling hungry but refusing to eat)?

Do you make stereotypy, or ritualistic movements, such as crossing and uncrossing the legs repeatedly?

Do you adopt a rigid or unnatural posture, often for extended periods of time?

Do you experience a decreased response to stimuli (i.e., stupor)?

Do you have an immobile posture and are you unable to respond to commands?

Do you have unusual manners, for example irregular speech patterns or movements?

Have you been diagnosed with schizophrenia, or do you experience symptoms related to schizophrenia such as delusions, hallucinations, diminished emotional expression, disorganized speech, and cognitive difficulties?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have catatonic schizophrenia. You may show no, or maybe one or two symptoms of catatonia, which is not enough to qualify for a clinical diagnosis for neither catatonia nor catatonic schizophrenia. Schizophrenic people with catatonic symptoms show unusual styles and levels of physical movement. For example, the person may not move at all, or move the body erratically. If you are not sure about your symptoms, it may be wise to plan a visit to your doctor.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying several symptoms related to catatonia, however, you may not experience schizophrenic symptoms. If you have catatonic symptoms, it does not automatically mean that you have schizophrenia as well. Talk with a mental health professional about your symptoms to get a better understanding of your condition. Catatonic schizophrenia affects the way a person moves in extreme ways. For example, one may stay totally still and silent, while another may get suddenly hyperactive. A core sign of catatonia is that you don’t move normally, even though you are able to.

Unfortunately, you may be displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have catatonic schizophrenia. Seeking medical support is of high importance. People with catatonic symptoms in schizophrenia show uncommon styles and levels of physical movement. Only a mental health professional is able to diagnose catatonic schizophrenia. He will perform several tests including an EEG, MRI, a physical examination and a psychiatric examination. The first step in treating the condition is medication. Sometimes medication is combined with psychotherapy to teach the person coping skills and how to manage stressful events.