title: Movement disorders in catatonia.
abstract: Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome characterised by a broad range of motor, speech and behavioural abnormalities. 'Waxy flexibility', 'posturing' and 'catalepsy' are among the well-recognised motor abnormalities seen in catatonia. However, there are many other motor abnormalities associated with catatonia. Recognition of the full spectrum of the phenomenology is critical for an accurate diagnosis. Although controlled trials are lacking benzodiazepines are considered first-line therapy and N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists also appears to be effective. Electroconvulsive therapy is used in those patients who are resistant to medical therapy. An underlying cause of the catatonia should be identified and treated to ensure early and complete resolution of symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Subhashie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wijemanne
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jankovic
mesh_terms: D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002389:Catatonia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines