Do I Have Catatonic Depression?

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?

Are you feeling low or sad?

Are you feeling hopeless?

Do you have difficulty concentrating and/or sleeping?

Do you experience changes in appetite?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have catatonic depression. Depression is a medical disorder that causes someone to be very sad. Sometimes, depression can occur together with catatonia: a condition in which someone does not respond to his environment. He may not speak, or he seems to be in a daze for long periods of time. He may also be motionless. If you are not sure about your symptoms, it may be useful to plan a visit to your doctor.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying some signs related to catatonic depression. It may be useful to seek medical support for your symptoms. Catatonic depression is a type of depression that causes a person to be speechless and motionless for a long period of time. People who suffer severe catatonia symptoms may have a hard time doing their daily activities. Not receiving treatment can worsen the condition: you may get dehydrated, pneumonia, and blood clots. Seek help to prevent your symptoms from worsening.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have catatonic depression. It is recommended to seek help from a mental health professional. Catatonic depression is a subtype of depression, in which a person does not respond to what is going on around him. He may be silent and motionless. The condition can be severe but is treatable. Usually benzodiazepines (medication) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can help relieve symptoms. Most people need long-term treatment.