Serious Symptoms Of Catatonic Schizophrenia

Mutism

Mutism is a condition that occurs when an individual is incapable of speech or unwilling to speak at least part of the time. This may occur in all circumstances, or they may be selectively mute, which means they only lose the ability to speak in certain situations. It can occur as part of various mental illnesses and neurological conditions. However, mutism is most commonly associated with catatonia. It can occur within catatonic schizophrenia, other forms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Before antipsychotic drugs, total mutism in non-catatonic schizophrenia was much more common than it currently is. Total mutism is rare in patients receiving advanced medical care. Mutism can sometimes be difficult to treat in catatonic schizophrenia patients. What makes treatment more difficult is the lack of patient input and communication. The ways mutism presents can be psychotic symptoms. In other cases, they can be adaptive behavioral strategies for individuals to deal with their environment.