# catatonia --- **catatonia** it's actually quite difficult to describe because it presents differently often. It's a disconnection between their behavior and external stimuli. Could be stuporous, but also could be pacing, mumbling, stuck in a weird posture. • Can occur in people with schizophrenia spectrum and mood disorders. • Motor and communication dysregulation characterized by stupor, rigidity, mutism, posturing, repetitive movements, and intermittent agitation. • Can be completely stuporous, or can have a variety of variable presentations. just because they can have a brief conversation does not mean they are not experiencing catatonia • **Monitoring PO intake is vital**. this can be a medical emergency • Treated with [[benzodiazepines]], often at high doses and often for long periods of time. ___