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Catatonic depression is a distinct and severe subtype of major depressive disorder characterized by striking behavioral and motor skill disturbances. While once considered a rare condition, modern research indicates that up to 15% of all depression patients may struggle with catatonic symptoms. Our understanding of catatonic depression, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is crucial for patients and carers.
This guide will help you recognize the unique signs of catatonic depression and find a path to recovery. We will cover the most common symptoms of catatonia, explain the connection between catatonia and depression, list the existing treatment approaches, and answer the most frequently asked questions about catatonic depression.
What Is Catatonic Depression
Catatonic depression is a subtype of depression involving catatonia—a state of psychomotor disturbance that affects a person’s movements, behavior, and speech. Patients with catatonic depression may experience periods of agitation and restlessness as well as episodes of extreme stillness and mutism.
While catatonia is typically associated with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, it can also accompany mood disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder. Catatonia is not limited to mental health conditions and may develop in patients with neurological infections and autoimmune diseases.
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Symptoms of Catatonic Depression
The symptoms of catatonic depression can be divided into two categories: depression symptoms and catatonia symptoms.
The signs of major depressive disorder include
- Low mood
- Chronic fatigue
- Feelings of hopelessness and guilt
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Suicidal thoughts
The signs of catatonia include
- Agitation and irritability
- Unable to move or speak
- Maintaining an uncomfortable posture for a long time
- Repeating the words and movements of other people
- Resisting attempts to be moved
There are over forty documented symptoms of catatonia—make sure to consult a qualified mental health provider if you suspect you or your loved one may have catatonic depression.
Causes of Catatonic Depression
The exact cause of catatonic depression is unknown as of now; nevertheless, medical professionals have identified several risk factors for this condition.
Mental Health Disorders: As mentioned previously, catatonia often accompanies mental health issues such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Physical Health Conditions: Brain infections, head trauma, and metabolic diseases have been linked to catatonia. In some cases, catatonia is caused by an adverse reaction to medication or drug withdrawal.
Gender and Age: Studies show that females are more likely to develop catatonic depression compared to males. Age is another important factor—depression with catatonia is most commonly diagnosed in teenagers and young adults under 25.
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Diagnosing Catatonic Depression
Only a licensed healthcare provider can diagnose catatonic depression—do not attempt to self-diagnose this disorder.
There is no single test that can determine whether a person has catatonic depression—a doctor will carry out a physical examination, interview the patient about their symptoms, and perhaps order several laboratory tests (such as a blood test and a brain MRI) to rule out underlying medical conditions that may cause catatonia.
In most cases, catatonia is diagnosed based on clinical observations—a doctor will be able to recognize the signs of this disorder after talking to the patient for a short time.
Treatment of Catatonic Depression
The good news is that catatonic depression is a treatable condition—patients have several options when it comes to their recovery.
Medications: The first line of treatment for catatonia is benzodiazepines—sedative drugs that calm the person down and temporarily resolve the symptoms of the disorder. A doctor may prescribe antidepressants to the patient to help them manage their depression.
Therapy: Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can be very beneficial for a person diagnosed with catatonic depression—a therapist will teach the patient to change their thought patterns and cope with their emotions.
Hospitalization: In severe cases, when a patient poses a danger to themselves and people around them, they may be admitted to the hospital. There, the patient will undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)—this procedure has a high success rate for the treatment of catatonia.
FAQs
What is catatonic depression?
Catatonic depression is a type of major depressive disorder accompanied by unusual behavior, lack of movement, and inability to speak. This condition affects both the mental and physical well-being of the patient.
What are the symptoms of catatonic depression?
The symptoms of catatonic depression include agitation, immobility, muscle rigidity, mutism, echoing other people’s words, and a lack of response to external stimuli.
How serious is catatonic depression?
If it is not treated on time, catatonic depression may have devastating consequences for the patient, leading to malnutrition, permanent bed confinement, and suicidal behavior.
Can catatonia be cured?
Yes, catatonia is a treatable disorder. Your doctor may prescribe you medications to deal with the symptoms of catatonia and depression and suggest you attend therapy.
Can therapy help with catatonic depression?
It is recommended to bring your patient to a certified therapist—a mental health professional will be able to talk to the patient, diagnose them, and come up with a personalized treatment plan for their recovery.
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Reach Out To Treat Mental Health For Support
Catatonic depression may be a frightening diagnosis, yet with proper medical care patients can hope for a full recovery. It is important to get diagnosed by a professional, identify the triggers of this condition, and come up with a personalized treatment plan that suits the needs of the patient.
Do you suspect you or your loved one may be suffering from catatonic depression? Symptoms: Our team of professionals at Treat Mental Health is here for you. Reach out to Treat Mental Health to learn more about catatonic depression and get the help you need.
