Catatonic state is characterized by which description?

• A. The patient is overly active and talkative
• B. The patient has a normal sleep-wake cycle
• C. The patient shows selective mutism only in group settings
• D. The patient remains in a fixed stupor and refuses to move about or do ADLs, remaining mute, bizarre postures

Answer: (D)

Catatonia is a severe psychomotor disturbance where movement and responsiveness are dramatically reduced. The hallmark is a fixed stupor with little or no movement, often accompanied by mutism, resistance to movement or instruction, and odd or rigid postures (bizarre postures). This description fits best because it captures the immobility and volontaire immobilization seen in catatonia, along with the muteness and motor posturing.

In contrast, being overly active and talkative points to mania or severe agitation, a normal sleep-wake pattern doesn’t describe the motor collapse, and mutism only in group settings lacks the characteristic immobility and posturing of catatonia. Safety and supportive care are essential, and treatment may involve benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy.