Catatonia may develop in people who have schizophrenia. These are periods when someone is hardly moving or responding. If catatonia is a factor in your schizophrenia, it is important to learn about the variety of treatment options available.
Risk Factors
Catatonic schizophrenia means having symptoms such as no psychomotor activity, limited verbal responses, mimicking another person’s speech or actions, and repetitive movements. Genetics can play a role in catatonia if you have a relative with schizophrenia. Stress can also play a role if they experienced traumatic situations earlier in life. Mind-altering drugs can also put someone at a higher risk of schizophrenia during adolescence.
Complications
Untreated catatonia in schizophrenia can cause health, financial, behavioral, and legal issues. People with catatonia can experience depression as well as hygiene problems. Those suffering from catatonic symptoms of schizophrenia may also have problems with employment or the legal system. Catatonia can make it difficult to pay attention in school and lead to disciplinary action. Seeking treatment can help put your life back on track.
Medications for Catatonic Schizophrenia
One type of medication is benzodiazepines which are tranquilizers commonly used for this type of condition. It is important to speak to your doctor before taking this medication as it can lead to a strong dependency if used for a long time. The effects can range from mild sedation to total anesthesia. To relieve the depression side effects of catatonia, antidepressants tend to work.
Other Treatment Options for Catatonic Schizophrenia
Hospitalization may be an option for severe episodes of catatonia. In a hospital, that person will get proper nutrition, sleep, hygiene, and the right treatment. Social and vocational skills training can help this patient live independently. They can learn all about good hygiene, prepare meals, and communicate better. They can also get support in finding work, housing, and being a part of self-help groups. If you know someone living with catatonic schizophrenia, you have the power to help this person take their medications on time and live a full quality of life.
Catatonic schizophrenia can make a person unresponsive and hardly moving. This can lead to bad hygiene, nutrition, and other life-ruining factors without going into treatment. If you or someone you love is dealing with the debilitating symptoms associated with schizophrenia, there are options available for treatment. At Alta Loma, we have the tools you need to treat schizophrenia and other types of mental illnesses interfering with your life. Our transformative treatment center in Georgetown, Texas, offers individualized therapy, medication management, a long-term continuum of care, and therapeutic recreational activities designed to build a foundation of mental wellness. Please give us a call at (866) 457-3843 for more information about our services.
