Catatonia

Mutism, staring, posturing, negativism, withdrawal, immobility, poor intake

EmergentReview due

At a glance

Malignant catatonia, dehydration, DVT/PE, aspiration, rhabdomyolysis, autonomic instability.

Watch forMalignant catatoniadehydrationDVT/PEaspiration

Motor syndrome with characteristic catatonic signs. Not simply very depressed or non-engaging.

Separates the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group. It is not specific to Catatonia.

Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group — not specific to Catatonia

Rows marked “Whole group”: Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group — not specific to Catatonia

Mutism, staring, posturing, negativism, withdrawal, immobility, poor intake

Key features

Malignant catatonia, dehydration, DVT/PE, aspiration, rhabdomyolysis, autonomic instability.

High-risk causes6 causes

Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group.

Motor syndrome with characteristic catatonic signs. Not simply very depressed or non-engaging.

Helpful clues

Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group.

The medication chart is often the shortest route to the diagnosis Quiet delirium is commonly missed and often medically dangerous

Priority steps2 steps

Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group.

None listed

Core tests

Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group.

None listed

Consider

Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.