Serious Symptoms Of Catatonic Schizophrenia

Lack Of Motivation

Individuals with various forms of schizophrenia, including catatonic schizophrenia, will experience avolition as a symptom. Avolition, one of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, is also referred to as a significant lack of motivation to do everyday tasks and activities. The activities that patients can lose their motivation to do even include cooking food and washing dishes. Essentially, an individual with catatonic schizophrenia who experiences a lack of motivation loses almost all of their drive. This means that the lack of motivation extends beyond a day or two of not feeling the desire to do much. For this to be a symptom of catatonic schizophrenia, this symptom must significantly impact an individual's life.

Stereotypy

Some individuals who have catatonic schizophrenia will deal with stereotypy as a symptom. This symptom refers to repetitive movements or postures that occur for no apparent reason. The movements that patients may perform include marching in place, crossing and uncrossing their legs, and rocking their body back and forth. Of course, this symptom alone is not enough for individuals to be diagnosed with catatonic schizophrenia, or another form of the disorder. This is, in part, because stereotypy is often seen in other conditions. Examples include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, tardive dyskinesia, and some movement disorders.