People with this condition can have symptoms of both ailments.
Catatonic depression can cause many types of symptoms.
These can range from decreased movement to odd actions.
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It can also involve low mood and other symptoms of MDD.
When found early, this syndrome is highly treatable with a good outlook.
Without treatment, it can lead to severe problems.
These can occur when a person stops eating or moving.
This article explains what catatonic depression means, its symptoms, and how it is found.
It also describes treatments and what the future can involve for those with it.
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What Does Catatonic Depression Mean?
Catatonic depression is also called major depressive disorder with catatonic features.
This describes the co-existence of catatonia with major depressive disorder.
Catatonia affects about 10% of people with psychiatric conditions.
Major depressive disorder is the most commonly diagnosed form of depression.
Having catatonic depression means that you might experience symptoms of catatonia and major depressive disorder at the same time.
An episode of catatonic depression can last for weeks, months, or even years.
However, symptoms of catatonic depression can vary by individual.
Behavior can be decreased, increased, or abnormal.
It involves extreme resistance to movement.
Akinetic characteristics of this throw in of catatonia include persistent staring.
The affected person may appear non-responsive, though they remain alert and aware of their surroundings.
Their response to external stimuli and voice communication is typically decreased.
Causes of Catatonic Episodes
The causes of catatonic episodes are not fully understood.
Misdiagnosis of catatonic depression can lead to improper medication.
It can also result in potentially life-threatening outcomes.
However, since catatonia increases your risk of serious complications, treatment of catatonia typically takes priority.
A catatonic depression treatment plan can include the therapies below to address catatonic behavior.
Medication
Regardless of the underlying condition, benzodiazepines are the first-choice treatment for catatonia.
They work by improving the effects of the GABA neurotransmitter.
ThebenzodiazepineAtivan (lorazepam)is generally the first-choice drug.
Treatment can often be seen within the first 10 minutes after administering the medication.
There are no treatment standards on how long benzodiazepines should be continued.
They are typically stopped when the underlying illness has resolved.
When these drugs are given for long periods, the dosage is generally tapered off during withdrawal.
Treatment involves brief electrical brain stimulations under anesthesia.
It is often reserved as a second-line treatment for catatonia if benzodiazepines don’t work.
Some researchers suggest that ECT should be the treatment of choice for catatonia because of its effectiveness.
rTMS uses a magnet placed on your forehead that releases pulses to your brain.
It provides stimulation to your brain, similar to ECT.
However, rTMS does not require anesthesia or produce the cognitive side effects that occur with ECT.
Treatment requires daily appointments for several weeks.
Why Do People Have Relapsing Catatonic Depression Episodes?
It is not known why relapsing catatonic depression occurs.
This requires that benzodiazepines be extended for long-term maintenance treatment.
About 80% of people with catatonia have symptoms that improve with as little as one dose of lorazepam.
However, most people will require more than one dose to fully treat their condition.
Timing varies by individual.
Even if your catatonia symptoms resolve, you may still need other treatments to address the underlying cause.
Major depressive disorder is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy, or both.
Research indicates that a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy treatment is the most effective approach.
A Word From Verywell
It’s important not to make abrupt changes or discontinue medication.
Together, you might come up with a plan that works best for you.
It is a syndrome in which catatonia exists at the same time as MDD.
While catatonia is often assumed to be reduced movement, it can also involve extreme or odd motor symptoms.
This syndrome is also called major depressive disorder with catatonia.
This describes the fact that catatonic behavior is linked to depression.
Catatonic depression can prevent you from eating, drinking, or moving.
With early treatment, the outlook is good for most people.
Without treatment, you increase your risk of severe health issues that can threaten your well-being.
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