Catatonic schizophrenia is considered a type of schizophrenia. Typically men who have this kind of schizophrenia will develop symptoms in their late teens or while in their twenties. Women however tend to develop this disorder in their twenties or early thirties.
Someone who suffers from catatonic schizophrenia will manifest extreme activity or extreme inactivity that has nothing to do with what is happening around them or their surroundings, or with the people around them. This can go on for hours at a time or for just a few minutes.
There are 5 categories of symptoms shown by victims of catatonic schizophrenia –
1. Excessive movement or mobility
Sufferers might pace incessantly, jump around while moving their arms, walk around in circles or make loud noises. All for no reason whatsoever. This is also known as catatonic excitement.
2. Remaining still or immobile
Schizophrenics with catatonic schizophrenia might display “catatonic stupor” during which they insist on staying still for hours in one position, ignoring or unaware of whatever is happening around them.
A remarkable variant of this symptom is when they allow part of their body to be moved into another position, after which it remains rigid in that new position. The latter is referred to as “wavy flexibility”.
3. Extreme resistance
Some sufferers of catatonic schizophrenia will refuse to speak, refuse to be moved or not take any instruction. Again, without any reason for so doing. This is known as negativism.
4. Imitating movement or speech
He or she may repeat again and again what someone else says, or mimic a gesture repeatedly. These are known as echolalia and echopraxia respectively.
5. Unusual/Strange movements
Sufferers may adopt unusual or strange postures for extended periods of time, or assume strange mannerisms. They might also obsess over placing certain objects in a certain fixed pattern or order, or following a routine repeatedly and to the tee, or repeating certain words again and again.
Like other types of schizophrenia, catatonic schizophrenia cannot be cured but with correct treatment, medications and support from loved ones, a victim can learn to lead a fairly normal life outside of a medical care facility.
Important Fact #1: Possible Signs Of Schizophrenia
Look out for any of the following signs of schizophrenia -- paranoia, delusions, inactivity or hyperactivity, unusual/strange or lack of emotional responses, over or under sensitivity, self-imposed social isolation, hostility, lack of interest in proper personal hygiene and extreme depression. |
Important Fact #2: Mention Of Suicide
Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to try taking their lives. At all times, take any mention of suicide by them seriously and seek medical assistance. |
Important Fact #3: Curing Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia cannot be completely cured. However medical experts will tell you that 90% of people with the disorder can look forward to recovering to a degree that will enable them to function and lead happy lives. |
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