Catatonia induced by substances or medications

Motor disturbances characteristic of catatonia appear directly as a result of the effects of a substance – medications, drugs, or toxins. The state may develop during use of the substance or during withdrawal. Symptoms are analogous to catatonia associated with mental disorders, but the cause is pharmacological or toxic. Diagnosis requires establishing a temporal relationship between exposure to the substance and the onset of symptoms.

Symptoms

• Stupor or marked psychomotor retardation
• Mutism
• Posturing or waxy flexibility
• Negativism or rigidity
• Stereotyped movements or mannerisms
• Temporal relationship to substance exposure
• Resolves with substance discontinuation

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of Catatonia induced by substances or medications?

Symptoms associated with Catatonia induced by substances or medications (ICD-11 6A41) include: Stupor or marked psychomotor retardation, Mutism, Posturing or waxy flexibility, Negativism or rigidity, Stereotyped movements or mannerisms, Temporal relationship to substance exposure, Resolves with substance discontinuation.

WHO ICD-11 source

View this entry in the official WHO ICD-11 browser: 6A41 – WHO ICD-11