Dissociative shutdown

Immobility, mutism, blankness, collapse during overwhelming fear/shame/conflict/trauma cue

EmergentReview due

At a glance

Watch forSevere self-harmunsafe abscondinghidden traumachild-safety impairment

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 Dissociative shutdown.

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

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

Immobility, mutism, blankness, collapse during overwhelming fear/shame/conflict/trauma cue

Key features

Severe self-harm, unsafe absconding, hidden trauma, child-safety impairment.

High-risk causes4 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.