HealthAugust 27, 2026

catatonia

kat-uh-TOH-nee-uh

Definition

A neuropsychiatric condition often associated with schizophrenia or mood disorders, characterized by abnormal movements, immobility, or unresponsiveness.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'kata' (down) and 'tonos' (tension or tone), the term was coined in the 19th century to describe the muscular rigidity and frozen posture observed in certain psychiatric patients.

In the news

The article lists catatonia as one of the specific mental health conditions for which electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes prescribed as a treatment.

I’m a professor of clinical psychology. Here’s everything you need to know about ECT

Read the full article ↗

The Independent

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