catalepsy /cat·a·lep·sy/ (-lep″se) indefinitely prolonged maintenance of a fixed body posture; seen in severe cases of catatonic schizophrenia. The term is sometimes used to denote cerea flexibilitas.
catalepsy
catalepsy [kat´ah-lep″se]
catalepsy,
catalepsy
cat·a·lep·sy (k t l- p s )n. A condition that occurs in a variety of physical and psychological disorders and is characterized by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed. cat a·leptic (ktl-pt k) adj.cat a·leptoid adj. |
catalepsy
[kat′əlep′sē]
Etymology: Gk, kata + lambanein, to seize
an abnormal state characterized by a trancelike level of consciousness and postural rigidity. It occurs in hypnosis and in certain organic and psychologic disorders such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and hysteria. cataleptic, adj.
Catalepsy
The rigid maintenance of a body position over an extended period of time; a state of decreased responsiveness accompanied by a trancelike state, as seen in organic or psychologic disorders or under hypnosis
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.
catalepsy,
n stiffening of the body or more commonly a specific body part, such as a limb, which can be induced by hypnosis.
catalepsy
a condition of diminished responsiveness usually characterized by a trancelike state and constantly maintained immobility, often with flexibilitas cerea (a waxy rigidity of muscles). In humans, the patient with catalepsy may remain in one position for minutes, days, or even longer.
catalepsy
Psychiatry A state of ↓ responsiveness with a trancelike states, which occurs in organic or psychologic disorders, or under hypnosis
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