Catatonic schizophrenia

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Catatonic schizophrenia is one of several types of schizophrenia, a chronic mental illness in which reality is interpreted abnormally (psychosis). Catatonic schizophrenia includes extremes of behavior. At one extreme of catatonic schizophrenia, you're unable to speak, move or respond. At the other, you have overexcited or hyperactive motion and you may involuntarily imitate sounds or movements of others.

Catatonic schizophrenia is rare today because of improved schizophrenia treatment. In fact, being in a state of catatonia is more likely to occur with certain other mental illnesses. With effective treatment, you can manage the symptoms of catatonic schizophrenia and work toward leading a happier, healthier life.

References
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  2. Minzenberg MJ, et al. Schizophrenia. In: Hales RE, et al, eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.; 2008. www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Oct. 7, 2008.
  3. Schizophrenia. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/complete-publication.shtml. Accessed Oct. 27, 2008.
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  7. Turkington D, et al. Cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2006;163:365.
  8. Treating schizophrenia. A quick reference guide. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
  9. Schultz SH, et al. Schizophrenia: A review. American Family Physician. 2007;75:1821.
  10. Fink M, et al. Editorial: Catatonia: Subtype or syndrome in DSM? American Journal of Psychiatry. 2006;163:1876.
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Dec. 19, 2008

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