Catatonia: extinct, lost, or forgotten?

Abstract

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that occurs in some primary psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, mood disorders), or due to general medical conditions (e.g., neurological disorders, drug poisoning, metabolic disorders) (1). Although it is uncommon, but if it goes unrecognized in medical and surgical units (2), it can increase morbidity and mortality. Moreover, making a connection between signs observed across different systems (the motor, somatic, and psychiatric symptoms) could lead to misdiagnosis and a delay in treatment (3).