Medical term:
catalepsy
catalepsy
[kat´ah-lep″se]a condition of diminished responsiveness usually characterized by a trancelike state and constantly maintained immobility, often with cerea flexibilitas. Affected individuals may remain in one position for minutes, days, or even longer. adj., adj catalep´tic.
Catalepsy may accompany any of several different mental illnesses. It is common in catatonic schizophrenia and may also occur in epilepsy, hysteria, and cerebellar disorders; it may also be induced by hypnosis. The patient may sit with the hands flat on the knees and the head bowed or may remain in an awkward and uncomfortable position. The patient is not necessarily unaware of what is going on but does not respond. This apathetic condition may end as suddenly as it begins.
Catalepsy may accompany any of several different mental illnesses. It is common in catatonic schizophrenia and may also occur in epilepsy, hysteria, and cerebellar disorders; it may also be induced by hypnosis. The patient may sit with the hands flat on the knees and the head bowed or may remain in an awkward and uncomfortable position. The patient is not necessarily unaware of what is going on but does not respond. This apathetic condition may end as suddenly as it begins.
Patient Care. Regular skin care and exercise of the muscles and joints are necessary to prevent circulatory complications. Nutritional status requires attention and an adequate diet must be provided. Even though cataleptic patients may not be able to respond to spoken directions or conversation and are physically unable to move, they cannot be left in one position for long periods of time any more than can patients who are physically paralyzed. The mental state of these patients is such that they cannot recognize numbness or pain, nor can they communicate a need for attention.
Care must be used in conversations held within the patient's hearing. Total apathy does not indicate a loss of ability to hear or see what is going on. Sometimes it is of great help to these patients to have someone sit quietly beside them so that they are aware that someone cares and is genuinely interested in their welfare.
A sudden change in the patient's condition, with increased activity, may indicate progression from one state of extreme emotion to another. Restlessness or talkativeness usually do not indicate a dramatic improvement in mental condition. When the patient becomes more active the staff should be alert to the possibility of suicide and attempts at self-mutilation. A person who has exhibited symptoms as severe as catalepsy is very ill and will need continued and long-term care to facilitate recovery from serious emotional problems.
Care must be used in conversations held within the patient's hearing. Total apathy does not indicate a loss of ability to hear or see what is going on. Sometimes it is of great help to these patients to have someone sit quietly beside them so that they are aware that someone cares and is genuinely interested in their welfare.
A sudden change in the patient's condition, with increased activity, may indicate progression from one state of extreme emotion to another. Restlessness or talkativeness usually do not indicate a dramatic improvement in mental condition. When the patient becomes more active the staff should be alert to the possibility of suicide and attempts at self-mutilation. A person who has exhibited symptoms as severe as catalepsy is very ill and will need continued and long-term care to facilitate recovery from serious emotional problems.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
cat·a·lep·sy
(kat'ă-lep'sē),A condition characterized by waxy rigidity of the limbs, which may be placed in various positions that are maintained for a time, lack of response to stimuli, mutism, and inactivity; occurs with some psychoses, especially catatonic schizophrenia.
[G. katalēpsis, a seizing, catalepsy, fr. kata, down, + lēpsis, a seizure]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
catalepsy
(kăt′l-ĕp′sē)n. pl. catalep·sies
A condition characterized by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain where they are positioned. It occurs in a variety of physical and psychological disorders, such as epilepsy and schizophrenia, and can be induced by hypnosis.
cat′a·lep′tic (kăt′l-ĕp′tĭk) adj.
cat′a·lep′ti·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
catalepsy
Psychiatry A state of ↓ responsiveness with a trancelike states, which occurs in organic or psychologic disorders, or under hypnosisMcGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
cat·a·lep·sy
(kat'ă-lep-sē)A morbid condition characterized by waxy rigidity of the limbs, lack of response to stimuli, mutism, and inactivity; occurs with some psychoses, especially catatonic schizophrenia.
[G. katalēpsis, a seizing, catalepsy, fr. kata, down, + lēpsis, a seizure]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
catalepsy
Muscle rigidity, lack of awareness and the abnormal maintenance, often for long periods, of sometimes bizarre postures or attitudes. This was once a common feature of SCHIZOPHRENIA but seems to have become rare in recent years.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
catalepsy
a seizure of the body, sometimes with loss of consciousness. The reaction can be a behavioural defence reaction.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
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