Comparative study of symptom profile of catatonia in patients with psychotic disorders, affective disorders and organic disorders.

AIM

To compare the symptom profile of catatonia among patients with affective, psychotic and organic disorders.

METHODOLOGY

A 46 item catatonia rating scale prepared by combining items from 3 catatonia rating scales, i.e., Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale(BFCRS), North off catatonia rating scale and Catatonia rating scale was used.

RESULTS

Study included 53, 45 and 42 patients with psychotic disorders, affective disorders and organic catatonia respectively. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence and severity of various catatonic symptoms between patients with psychotic and affective disorders. Compared to participants in the organicity group, participants in the psychotic group had significantly higher prevalence and severity of posturing. There was no difference in the affective and organicity group in terms of frequency and severity of catatonic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with organic catatonia do not differ from those with catatonia due to affective and psychotic disorders in terms of prevalence and severity of signs and symptoms of catatonia except for posturing. The present study suggests that catatonic symptoms in patients with various disorders are not just limited to BFCRS and extend beyond the same.