Catatonia: Understanding a Serious but Treatable Neuropsychiatric Condition
When the Body Freezes
Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterised by abnormalities in movement, behaviour, and responsiveness. In Nigeria, where mental health resources are severely limited, catatonia is frequently misdiagnosed, attributed to spiritual causes, or left untreated — sometimes with fatal consequences.
What Causes Catatonia?
- Psychiatric: bipolar disorder (the most common cause), schizophrenia, major depression
- Medical: encephalitis, autoimmune encephalitis (anti-NMDA receptor), lupus, epilepsy
- Metabolic: severe electrolyte disturbances, liver failure, hypoglycaemia
- Medications/substances: neuroleptic malignant syndrome (reaction to antipsychotics), benzodiazepine withdrawal
Treatment
Lorazepam (a benzodiazepine) is the first-line treatment for catatonia and is highly effective — often producing dramatic improvement within hours. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used for refractory cases. If you or someone you know shows signs of catatonia, seek emergency medical care immediately.
The Functional Medicine Perspective
After stabilisation, functional medicine investigates what predisposed the episode: autoimmune markers, thyroid function, metabolic status, and nutritional deficiencies. FXMed works alongside neurologists and psychiatrists — contact us after emergency care for the follow-up functional assessment.
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About the Author
FXMed Team
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