CATATONIC Meaning and
Definition
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Catatonic is an adjective used to describe a condition characterized by catatonia, a state of unresponsiveness and immobility. Persons experiencing catatonia may display rigid posture, lack of voluntary movement, and often remain unaware of their surroundings. This psychological condition can be associated with several mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder.
Catatonic behavior can manifest in various ways, including mutism (the inability or refusal to speak), negativism (opposition or resistance to instructions or external stimuli), echolalia (repeating the words or phrases of others), and exhibiting peculiar or stereotyped movements without any apparent purpose. Patients can maintain an unusual posture for extended periods, such as standing or sitting rigidly in a fixed position.
The term "catatonic" is derived from the Greek word "katatonos," meaning "to stretch out, make stiff." It was first used in the late 19th century by German psychiatrist Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum. He described catatonia as one of the primary symptoms of an illness he called "catatonia or tension insanity."
In a medical context, catatonic may also refer to the use of pharmacological agents called "catatonic agents." These medications are utilized to induce temporary muscle relaxation and immobility in patients undergoing surgical procedures or during electroconvulsive therapy to minimize the risk of injury or convulsions.
Common Misspellings for CATATONIC
Etymology of CATATONIC
The word "catatonic" derives from two Greek roots: "kata" meaning "down" or "intensely", and "tonos" meaning "tension" or "stretching". "Catatonic" was originally used in the field of psychiatry to describe a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a marked disturbance of motor activity. It was first introduced by the German psychiatrist Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum in the late 19th century. The term later gained broader usage to refer to a general state of immobility, unresponsiveness, and withdrawal.
Similar spelling word for CATATONIC
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