CATATONIA: PATOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS AND CONTEMPORARY TREATMENT APPROACHES

Abstract

This article presents a review of evidence>based studies on the problem of diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of catatonia. Catatonic syndrome (CS) is represented by a wide range of motor, speech and behavioral disorders and is currently regarded as a polietiologic condition, which is based on both psychiatric and non>psychiatric reasons. According to recent data bipolar disorder is the most common psychiatric cause of catatonia, while the occurrence of catatonia in schizophrenia occurs less frequently. The article also considers various therapeutic approaches to CS, among which benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy play a primary role.